Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 14 lines, of red-ruled Latin in dark brown ink, written in fine gothic script on animal vellum.(103 x 73mm – 4 x 2 3/8’’)
One two-line illuminated initial in burnished gold on a red and blue ground with white penwork – extending into the margin top and bottom with a delicate floral design in burnished gold, green, blue and brown; seven one-line illuminated initials alternating in gold with violet penwork and blue with red penwork.
England c.1440 (likely Syon Abbey, by a member of the Bridgettine Order).
This leaf continues Psalm 23 (King James 24) 5-10: “Accipiet…” (He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and a march from God his Savior. This is the generation of them that seek him, of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob. Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates: and the King of Glory shall enter in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord who is strong and mighty: the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates: and the King of Glory shall enter in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of Glory).
The illuminated “A” begins Psalm 24 (KJ 25) 1-3: “Ad te levavi…” (To thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul. In thee, O my God, I put my trust; let me not be ashamed. Neither let my enemies laugh at me: for none of them that wait on thee shall be confounded…).
English manuscript Books of Hours are very uncommon. In 1533 Henry VIII decreed that books relating to the practices of the Church of Rome should be destroyed. Most of the remaining examples were held secretly in private hands.
The Bridgettine (or Brigittine) Order was a monastic religious order of Augustinian nuns. The Bridgettine monastery of Syon Abbey, Ipswich, Middlesex was founded and royally endowed by Henry V in 1415 and became one of the richest and most influential religious communities in England until its dissolution under Henry VIII.
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
