Original continuous bifolium (two leaves – four pages) from a manuscript Book of Hours. 25 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin in angular gothic book-hand script on animal vellum. (Each leaf: 160 x 115mm – 6 ¼ x 4 ½’’)
Four two-line illuminated initials in blue and white on gold ground; nine illuminated one-line initials and nine illuminated line-extenders in gold on a red or blue ground. Unusual vibrant and elaborate panel borders in colorful floral (including strawberries – symbol of perfect righteousness) and gemstone motif on a gold, or rich sable ground – one with a wonderful whimsical dragon-like creature climbing acanthus leaves!
France: Rouen (Use of Rouen) c. 1490-1510.
Style and execution of the miniature paintings in the parent manuscript are closely related to the Master of the Geneva Latini (see Walter 224 & 233 for examples).
The one-line illuminated “E” begins Psalm 26 (King James 27) 7-14: “Exaudi…” (Hear, O Lord, my voice with which I have cried to thee: have mercy on me and hear me…).
The nine lessons from Job contain moving readings from Job detailing the trials he endured in his struggle for God’s blessings.
The two-line illuminated “Q” begins Lesson IV- Job 13:23-28: “Quantas…” (How many are my iniquities and sins…).
The two-line illuminated “H” begins Lesson V – Job 14: 1-6: “Homo…” (Man born of a woman, living for a short time…).
The two-line illuminated “Q” begins Lesson VI– Job 14: 13 - 16: “Quis…” (Who will grant me this, that thou mayst protect me in hell…).
The two-line illuminated “E” opens Psalm 39 (KJ 40): “Expectans…” (With expectation I have waited for the Lord, and he was attentive to me. And he heard my prayers…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
