Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 24 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin in an elegant angular gothic book-hand script on animal vellum; rubrics in red. (178 x 125mm – 7 x 5’’)
Four two-line illuminated initials, and four one-line illuminated paraphs, in gold on red or blue ground. France: Rouen, (Use of Rouen), c. 1470-90.
Unusual vibrant and elaborate panel borders on recto and verso in colorful floral and geometric motif in red, green, blue and white on gold ground.
This leaf continues the section of Suffrages - prayers to saints who were considered the protectors, helpers and guardians of medieval people.
The first rubrics note the beginning of the Suffrages of St. John the Baptist and follows with: “Inter natos…” (Among those born of woman none arose greater than John the Baptist. The two-line illuminated “P” begins: “Presta…” (Show thyself, we pray, O omnipotent God, so that thy household may go by the way of salvation…).
John the Evangelist follows with “Johannes…” (John the Apostle and Evangelist…). The two-line illuminated “E” begins: “Ecclesiam…” (Make thy church shine, we ask, O kindly Lord…).
The Suffrages of Peter and Paul begin with “Petrus apostolus…” (Peter the Apostle and Paul the Doctor to the Gentiles…). The two-line illuminated “D” begins: “Deus cuius…” (O God, whose right hand raised up blessed Peter the Apostle when he was walking on the waves…).
The Suffrages of James the Apostle begins: “Lux et decus…” (Light and adornment of Spain, O most holy James, supporter of the oppressed…). The two-line illuminated “E” begins: “Esto domine…” (Be, O Lord, the sanctificator and guardian of thy people…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
