Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 12 lines of ruled text, written in Latin with dark brown ink in lettre batarde script on animal vellum. (133 x 90mm – 5 ¼ x 3 ½’’)
One three-line illuminated initial, and two two-line illuminated initials in deep blue and white on a sepia ground with delicate gold penwork; six one-line illuminated initials alternating in blue and white, and red and white on a sepia ground with delicate gold penwork; text surrounded on three sides by a burnished gold bar. Delicate rinceaux border (recto) in red, blue, brown and green with burnished and brushed gold. Within the border is a strawberry (symbol of perfect righteousness), and two birds – resting on branches in the right margin!
France (Paris?), c. 1485
This leaf begins the Hours of the Virgin – Hour of Compline. The three-line illuminated “C” begins: “Converte…” (Convert us O God our Savior. And avert thine ire from us. Incline unto my aid O God. O Lord make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father…).
The two-line illuminated “S” begins Psalm 128 (King James 129) 1-6: “Sepe expugnaverunt…” (Often have they fought against me from my youth, let Israel now say. Often have they fought against me from my youth: but they could not prevail over me. The wicked have wrought upon my back: they have lengthened their iniquity. The Lord who is just will cut the necks of sinners: let them all be confounded and turn back that hate Sion…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat