Original leaf from a miniature medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 18 lines of ruled text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown ink in gothic script on animal vellum. (90 x 65mm – 3 ½ x 2 5/8’’)
One four-line illuminated initial in red surrounded by very intricate blue penwork; sixteen one-line illuminated initials alternating in blue and red.
The Netherlands (possibly Delft), c. 1480.
The one-line illuminated “I” begins Psalm 136 (King James 137) 2-9: “In salicibus…” (On the willows in the midst thereof we hung up our instruments. For there thy that led us into captivity required of us the words of songs. And they that carried us away, said: Sing ye to us a hymn of the songs of Sion…).
The elaborate four-line illuminated “C” begins Psalm 137 (KJ 138) 1-3: “Confitebor…” (I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart: for thou hast heard the words of my mouth. I will sing praise to thee in the sight of the angels: I will worship towards thy holy temple, and I will give glory to thy name. For thy mercy, and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified the holy name above all…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
