Original leaf from a medieval Book of Hours. 19 lines of ruled text, written in Dutch with dark brown ink in fine Gothic script, on animal vellum. (170 x 120mm – 6 5/8 x 4 ¾’’)
One illuminated five-line initial & two illuminated two-line initials in burnished gold alternating with an interior of blue or pink with a blue or pink ground. Recto has an illuminated bar the length of the text in burnished gold, pink and blue ending with a delicate spray of flowers at top & bottom in green, blue, red & burnished gold;
Verso has a three-quarter burnished gold bar along the text and an intricate border in a floral design in blue, green, red, pink and burnished gold with a fabulous whimsical creature dancing along the bottom margin!
Netherlands, c. 1460.
This leaf continues The Hours of the Cross – Hour of Sext. The two-line illuminated “O” begins: “O here ihesu criste soen…” (To the cross Christ nailed was the sixth hour of the day, And there hanging with two thieves reputed was as they: Thirsting by torments made with gall they seek to slake…).
The illuminated red “W” begins: “Wi anebeden di…” (We adore thee O Christ, and we bless thee. For that by the holy Cross thou hast redeemed the world).
The five-line illuminated “G” begins the Hour of None: “God wilt…” (Incline unto my aid O God. O Lord make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father…)
The Dutch (Low Countries) were the first to break the tradition of using Latin in Prayer Books and Books of Hours. In England, France and Italy, Latin continued to be the primary liturgical language throughout the 1400’s.
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
