Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 18 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown ink & red rubrics in fine gothic script on animal vellum. (158 x 112mm – 6 ¼ x 4 3/8’’)
Two illuminated two-line initials in burnished gold on red and blue ground with delicate white penwork; fourteen illuminated one-line initials alternating in deep blue with delicate red penwork and burnished gold with delicate violet penwork.
Flanders (Use of Sarum), c. 1450 – produced to follow the English rites, for the English market. The Litany of the Saints from this book listed several Saints associated with Britain, including George (patron of Britain), Swithin (Bishop of Westminster), Eusebius (martyred Irish Benedictine), Burinus (Apostle of Wessex), and Julian (early English Martyr).
The one-line illuminated “P” begins Psalm 118 (King James 119) 127-128: “Propterea…” (Therefore have I loved thy commandments above gold and the topaz…).
The two-line illuminated “M” continues verses 129-136: “Mirabilia…” (Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore my soul hath sought them. The declaration of thy words giveth light: and giveth understanding to little ones…).
The two-line illuminated “I” continues verses 137-143: “Iustus…” (Thou art just, O Lord: and thy judgment is right. Thou hast commanded justice thy testimonies: and thy truth exceedingly. My zeal hath made me pine away: because my enemies forgot thy words. Thy word is exceedingly refined: and thy servant hath loved it…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
