Original leaf from a large medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 15 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown and red ink in gothic script on animal vellum. (205 x 150mm – 8 x 6’’)
One three-line illuminated initial in blue and white with a floral interior in blue, pink, white and green on a burnished gold ground; one two-line illuminated initial, nine one-line illuminated initials and five illuminated line extenders in gold on a blue and red ground; elaborate rinceaux border (recto) in red, pink, green, gold, blue, liquid and burnished gold.
Northern France or French Flanders, c. 1450-75.
The three-line illuminated “D” begins the Hour of Vespers: “Deus in…” (Incline unto my aid O Lord…). The two-line illuminated “L” begins Psalm 121 (King James 122) 1-7: “Laetatus…” (I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: We shall go into the house of the Lord. Our feet were standing in thy courts, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem, which is built as a city, which is compact together. For thither did the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord: the testimony of Israel, to praise the name of the Lord. Because their seats have sat in judgment, seats upon the house of David. Pray ye for the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem: and the abundance for them that love thee. Pray ye for the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem…).
A very attractive and elaborate leaf - much larger than usual, and in excellent condition with bright fresh colors and gold leaf.
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
