Original leaf from a miniature medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 14 lines of ruled text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown ink in gothic script on animal vellum. (70 x 54mm – 2 ¾ x 2 1/8’’)
One two-line illuminated initial and five one-line illuminated initials in burnished gold on a red and blue ground with delicate white penwork. Bars of burnished gold and red extend along the text (verso) sprouting a floral spray top and bottom in blue, green, red, burnished and brushed gold.
Italy, c. 1460
The one-line illuminated “G” begins the Glory Be (Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit…).
The two-line “T” begins the Te Deum – a fourth century hymn of joy: “Te Deum laudamus…” (O God, we praise Thee: we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord. Everlasting Father, all the earth doth worship Thee. To Thee all the Angels, the Heavens and all the Powers, all the Cherubim and Seraphim, unceasingly proclaim…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
