A Book of Hours Leaf with birds in border - c 1485

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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

  • Inventory# IM-11746
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