Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 16 lines of Latin gothic textura script in dark brown and red ink on animal vellum. (180 x 125mm – 7 1/8 x 5’’)
Four illuminated two-line initials in burnished gold on a red & blue ground with delicate white tracery. Delicate rinceaux border in burnished gold, red, pink, green and blue.
France, c. 1450.
The first two-line illuminated “D” begins the prayer: “Deus cui…” (O God, Whose property is always to have mercy and to spare…).
The second two-line illuminated “D” begins: “Deus…” (O God, merciful Lord: grant the soul of thy servant whose anniversary of passing we commemorate today, a place of refreshment, repose and brightness).
The third two-line illuminated “D” begins: “Deus qui inter…” (O God, which among the Apostolic priests hast made thy servants to have power by pontifical or priestly dignity…).
The fourth two-line illuminated “D” begins: “Deus venie…” (O God the giver of pardon, and the lover of human salvation, we beseech thy clemency: that thou grant the brethren of our congregation, kinsfolk, and benefactors, which are departed out of this world, blessed Mary ever virgin making intercession with all the saints…).
Books of Hours are personal prayer books of a devout and status-conscious society and are not only works of art, but cultural documents of their time. They reveal a unique combination of sacred and secular imagery - made of the finest materials, by the best craftsmen, for a small audience that could both appreciate and afford them.
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
