Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Breviary. 17 lines of ruled gothic textura script, written in Latin with black ink, on animal vellum. Rubrics (headings) & versal initials in red. (123 x 85mm).
One eight-line illuminated initial, one two-line illuminated initial and numerous one-line illuminated initials alternating in red and deep blue - with the guide letters visible in most.
Northern Germany or Netherlands, c. 1425.
The eight-line illuminated ''I'' begins Psalm 25 (King James 26) complete: ''Iudica...'' (Judge me, O Lord, for I have walked in my innocence: and I have put my trust in the Lord, and shall not be weakened...My foot hath stood in the direct way: in the churches I will bless thee, O Lord).
The two-line illuminated ''C'' begins Psalm 117 (KJ 118) 1-7: ''Confitimini...'' (Give praise to the Lord for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever. Let Israel now say, that he is good: that his mercy endureth forever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth forever. Let them that fear the Lord now say, that his mercy endureth forever. In my trouble I called upon the Lord: and the Lord heard me, and enlarged me. The Lord is my helper: I will not fear what man can do unto me...).
A Breviary is composed of many books (prayers, hymns, psalms...) painstakingly but carefully written by hand, and used by monks and priests to conduct their daily services.
Shipped in an archival 14x11'' mat.
