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’’)
One two-line illuminated initial in red with delicate white penwork with an internal floral motif in blue and red on a burnished gold ground; eleven one-line illuminated initials in burnished gold on a blue and red ground with delicate white penwork; eight 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 one-line illuminated “I” begins Psalm 101 (King James 102) 26-29: “Initio tu domine…” (In the beginning, O Lord, thou foundest the earth: and the heavens are the works of thy hands. They shall perish but thou remainest: and all of them shall grow old like a garment: And as a vesture thou shalt change them, and they shall be changed. But thou art always the selfsame, and thy years shall not fail. The children of thy servants shall continue: and their seed shall be directed forever).
The two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 129 (KJ 130) 1-8: “De profundis…” (Out of the depths I have cried to thee, O Lord: Lord, hear my voice. Let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. If thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities: Lord, who shall stand it. For with thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of they law, I Have waited for thee, O Lord. My soul hath relied on his word: my soul hath hoped in the Lord…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
