Original leaf from a medieval manuscript pocket Bible. Latin gothic minuscule script, hand-written in brown ink, on animal vellum. (153 x 108mm – 6 x 4’’).
Six multi-line illuminated initials alternating in deep blue with elaborate red penwork, and red with elaborate blue penwork - extending in to the margins; numerous one-line initials alternating in red and blue. 50 lines of text in double columns (11 lines per inch!).
Related to the Dominican Painter & Associates workshop (reference Branner).
Produced in France (Paris) circa 1240-55 – early - prior to numbering of Psalms.
The one-line illuminated “N” continues Psalm 87 (King James 88) 12-19: “Numquid…” (Shall any one in the sepulcher…).
The two-line illuminated “M” begins Psalm 88 (KJ 89) complete: “Misericordias…” (The mercies of the Lord I will sing forever…).
The two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 89 (KJ 90) complete: “Domine…” (Lord, thou hast been our refuge…).
The two-line illuminated “Q” begins Psalm 90 (KJ 91) complete: “Qui habitat…” (He that dwelleth in the aid of the most High…).
The two-line illuminated “B” begins Psalm 91 (KJ 92) complete: “Bonum est…” (It is good to give praise to the Lord…).
The two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 92 (KJ 93) complete: “Dominus…” (The Lord hath reigned, he is clothed with beauty…)
The next two-line illuminated “C” begins Psalm 93 (KJ 94) 1-16: “Deus…” (The Lord is the God to whom revenge belongeth…).
Fine, precise calligraphy. Small hole in the upper margin and a tiny one in line two, that the scribe wrote around.
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
