Original leaf from a medieval Book of Hours. 20 lines of ruled text, written in Latin with dark brown ink on animal vellum. (170 x 120mm – 6 5/8 x 4 ¾’’)
One two-line illuminated initial, two one-line illuminated initials & two illuminated line extenders in burnished gold with a pink or blue interior and on a blue and/or pink ground; Both sides have intricate borders along the text in a floral design in blue, green, red, and on a liquid gold ground with a bird resting on a branch while looking at the text.
France (probably Paris), c. 1480-1500.
The one-line illuminated “S” begins: “Spera in deo…” (Hope in God, because yet will I confess to him: the salvation of my countenance, & my God).
The one-line illuminated “R” begins: “Requiem…” (Eternal rest. My soul hath thirsted after God, a living fountain: when shall I come, & appear before the face of God? Deliver not unto beasts the souls confessing to thee. And in the end forget not the souls of thy poor).
The nine lessons from Job contain moving readings from Job detailing the trials he endured in his struggle for God’s blessings. The two-line illuminated “S” begins Lesson VII - Job 17: 1-3, 11-15: “Spiritus…” (My spirit shall be weakened: my days shall be shortened, & the grave only remaineth for me. I have not sinned: & mine eye abideth in bitterness. Deliver me O Lord, & set me beside thee: & let any man's hand fight against me. My days have passed, dispersed are my thoughts, tormenting my heart. Night they have turned into day, and again after darkness I hope for light. If I shall expect, hell is my house, and in darkness I have made my bed. I have said to rottenness, thou art my father: to worms my mother, and my sister. Where is now then my expectation, and my patience? Thou O Lord art my God.
Presented in an archival 14x11'' mat
