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 eight 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 “C” opens Psalm 95 (King James 96): “. Cantate…” (Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle).
The one-line illuminated “L” opens Psalm 150: “Laudate…” (Praise ye the Lord in his holy places…). The one-line illuminated “R” begins: “Requiem…” (Eternal Rest. Let every spirit praise the Lord…).
The one-line illuminated “B” opens the Canticle of Zachary - Luke 1:68: “Benedictus…” (Blessed be the Lord God of Israel).
The one-line illuminated “R” begins “Requiem” and is followed by John 11:25-26: (Eternal rest. I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, although he be dead, shall live: and every one that liveth, and believeth in me, shall not die forever).
The one-line illuminated “X” continues part of the Kyrie: (Lord have mercy on us, Christ have mercy on us, Lord have mercy on us).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat