Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 17 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown and red ink in gothic script on animal vellum. (106 x 82mm – 4 3/16 x 3 ¼’’)
One two-line illuminated initial in burnished gold on a red and blue ground with delicate white penwork extending into the margins with delicate burnished gold leaves; eleven one-line illuminated initials alternating in deep blue with delicate red penwork, and burnished gold with delicate violet penwork.
Northern France or French Flanders, c. 1450-70.
The first one-line illuminated “D” (on recto) continues Psalm 5: 9-13: “Domine deduc…” (Conduct me, O Lord, in thy justice: because of my enemies, direct my way in thy sight…And all they that love thy name shall glory in thee: For thou wilt bless the just. O Lord, thou hast crowned us, as with a shield of thy good will).
The two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 7: 1-4: “Domine…” (O Lord my God, in thee have I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me. Lest at any time he seize upon my soul like a lion. While there is no one to redeem me…).
Presented in an archival 14x11'' mat
