Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 15 lines of red ruled Latin text, written with dark brown ink, in fine gothic textura script on animal vellum. (162 x 118 mm - 6.5 x 4.7")
One three-line illuminated initial in blue with white tracery on burnished gold ground with a floral infill. Four one-line initials & two line extenders in gold on red & blue ground with white tracery.
Northern France: probably Paris, c. 1450-70.
Ex-collection: Endowment for Biblical Research, Boston University (Manuscript #104).
The miniature painting depicts the King David in Prayer. An elderly King David, (his crown on the floor beside him) is shown kneeling beside his bed with his hands clasped in prayer; his attribute, the harp, is in front of him; David’s head is lifted towards the heavens where we see the face of God watching attentively.
The illuminated ''D'' opens Psalm 6, the text for the Penitential Psalms: ''Domine ne in furore…'' (O Lord, rebuke me not…).
The miniature painting & text are surrounded by an elaborate panel border having a highly decorative floral design with flowers, berries, & acanthus leaves in colors of blue, red, green & brushed gold. This illumination was executed by a skilled artist working in the style of the Maitre Francois.
Shipped in archival 14x11'' mat.
