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’’)
Eight one-line illuminated initials alternating in gold with violet penwork and blue with red penwork; one illuminated line extender in red and blue.
England, c. 1440 (likely Syon Abbey, by a member of the Bridgettine Order).
The Bridgettine Order is a monastic order of Augustinian nuns. The Bridgettine monastery of Syon Abbey 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.
Line one continues Psalm 24 (King James 25) 4-10: “[Con]fundantur omnes…” (Let them all be confounded that act unjust things without cause. Show, O Lord, thy ways to me, and teach me thy paths. Direct me in thy truth, and teach me; for thou art God my Savior; and on thee have I waited all the day long. Remember, O Lord, thy bowels of compassion; and thy mercies that are from the beginning of the world. The sins of my youth and my ignorances do not remember. According to thy mercy remember thou me: for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord. The Lord is sweet and righteous: therefore he will give a law to sinners in the way. He will guide the mild in judgment; he will teach the meek his ways…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
