Original leaf from a miniature medieval manuscript Book of Hours, likely scribed for a Lady. 14 lines of ruled text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown ink in gothic script on animal vellum. (70 x 54mm – 2 ¾ x 2 1/8’’)
Italy, c. 1460
One two-line illuminated initial and five one-line illuminated initials in burnished gold on a red and blue ground with delicate white penwork. Bars of burnished gold and red extend along the text (recto) sprouting a floral spray top and bottom in blue, green, red, burnished and brushed gold.
The two-line illuminated “C” begins Psalm 95 (King James 96) 1-6: “Cantate…” (Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing ye to the Lord and bless his name: show forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the Gentiles: his wonders among all people. For the Lord is great, and exceedingly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the Gentiles are devils: but the Lord made the heavens…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
