Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 15 lines, of red-ruled Latin text written in dark brown ink, in fine gothic script on animal vellum. (170 x 120mm – 6 ¾ x 4 7/8’’)
Two two-line illuminated initials in red or blue with delicate white penwork with a floral motif in blue and red on a burnished gold ground; nine one-line illuminated initials in burnished gold on a blue and red ground with delicate white penwork; nine illuminated line-extenders in blue, red, white and burnished gold. A thin burnished gold bar runs the length of text on one side, next to a beautiful rinceaux border in red, blue, green, pink and burnished gold
France, Loire Valley (Angers?), c. 1440-50.
The two-line illuminated “I” begins Psalm 125 (King James 126) complete: “In convertendo…” (When the Lord brought back the captivity of Sion, we became like men comforted. Then was our mouth filled with gladness; and our tongue with joy. Then shall they say among the Gentiles: The Lord hath done great things for them. The Lord hath done great things for us: we are become joyful. Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as a stream in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. Going they went and wept, casting their seeds. But coming they shall come with joyfulness, carrying their sheaves).
The two-line illuminated “B” begins: “Beata es virgo…” (Blessed art thou O virgin Mary which hast born our Lord the creator of the world. Thou has brought forth him which made thee, and ever remain a virgin.
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
