Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 16 lines, ruled in red, & written in Latin with dark brown ink on animal vellum. (105 x 73mm – 4 1/8 x 2 7/8’’)
Southern Netherlands (likely Bruges, use of Sarum), c. 1450-75.
One six-line historiated initial in pink with white penwork on a blue ground with an interior miniature painting, framed with a burnished gold bar which continues the length and bottom of the text; one two-line illuminated initial in burnished gold on red & blue ground; five one-line illuminated initials alternating in blue with red penwork and burnished gold with blue penwork. The three-quarter border (verso) contains a floral design with flowers, berries and acanthus leaves in blue, green, pink and burnished gold.
The six-line historiated initial depicts Saint Katherine of Alexandria (patron saint of philosophers, preachers and librarians). She is painted facing right with a halo and holding a sword pointing downward in her left hand, blue sky and landscape at back
The text begins a hymn (as found in the Burnet Psalter) commemorating Saint Katherine: “Gaude virgo Katherina…” (Rejoice virgin Katherine, who corrected the errors of learned men. Rejoice, for her prison cell was filled with light and fragrance…).
From a Lady's Flemish Book of Hours for use in England. Some fading and devotional wear.
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
