Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 16 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin in angular gothic book-hand script on animal vellum. Rubrics in red. (175 x 128mm – 6 7/8 x 5’’)
Three two-line illuminated initials in liquid gold on red & blue ground with white penwork; four one-line illuminated initials and two illuminated line extenders in gold on red & blue ground.
Northern France (Normandy) c. 1490-1500.
This leaf continues the Hours of the Virgin – Hour of Compline. The two-line-line illuminated d” begins: Psalm 130 (King James 131) complete: “Domine…” (Lord my heart is not exalted: nor are my eyes lofty. Neither have I walked in great matters, nor in wonderful things above me. If I was not humbly minded, but exalted my soul: As a child that is weaned is towards his mother, so reward in my soul. Let Israel hope in the Lord, from henceforth now and forever).
The two-line illuminated “V” begins the hymn: “Virgo de Genitrix...” ” (O Virgin Mother of God, He Whom the whole world does not contain, enclosed Himself in thy womb, being made man. True faith in thy begotten Son has cast out the sins of the world, & for thee virginity remains inviolate. Thou art the Mother of divine love, Thou the aiding power the world cries out to: come in aid, O blessed one, of thy servants. Great glory be to the Father, equal glory to the Son, great glory to God the Holy Spirit. Amen).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
