Original leaf from a miniature medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 18 lines of ruled text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown ink in gothic script on animal vellum.(90 x 65mm – 3 ½ x 2 5/8’’)
One four-line illuminated initial in red surrounded by very intricate blue penwork; one four-line, one two-line and fourteen one-line illuminated initials alternating in blue and red.
The Netherlands (possibly Delft), c. 1480.
The two-line illuminated “Q” begins Psalm 124 (King James 125) complete: “Qui confidunt…” (They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Sion: he shall not be moved forever that dwelleth in Jerusalem. Mountains are round about it: so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth now and forever. For the Lord will not leave the rod of sinners upon the lot of the just: that the just may not stretch forth their hands to iniquity. Do good, O Lord, to those that are good, and to the upright of heart. But such as turn aside into bonds, the Lord shall lead out with the workers of iniquity: peace upon Israel).
The four-line illuminated “I” begins Psalm 125 (KJ 126) complete: “In convertendo…” (When the Lord brought back the captivity of Sion, we became like men comforted. Then was our mouth filled with gladness; and our tongue with joy…).
The elaborate four-line illuminated “N” opens Psalm 126 (KJ 127): “Nisi…” (Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
