Medieval Breviary Leaf - Hymn for St Gregory

$0.00

Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Breviary. Red-ruled for 30 lines of Latin text, written in double columns with dark brown and red ink in fine rounded gothic book hand on animal vellum. (150 x 105mm) 

One three-line illuminated initial in burnished gold on a red and blue ground with delicate white penwork;  one two-line illuminated initial and forty-one one-line illuminated initials alternating in red and blue. In the first column, recto, a liquid gold and red bar extends along the left of the text with a floral border top and bottom in blue, green, red and burnished gold.   

France, c. 1470.

The two-line illuminated ''N'' begins a hymn attributed to St. Gregory (540-604): ''Nox...'' (The dusky veil of night hath laid the varied hues of earth in shade; before Thee, righteous Judge of all, we contrite in confession fall.  Take far away our load of sin, our soiled minds make clean within: Thy sovereign grace, O Christ impart, from all offense to guard our heart.  For lo! Our mind is dull and cold, envenomed by sin's baneful hold:  fain would it now the darkness flee, and see, Redeemer, unto Thee.  Far from it drive the shades of night its inmost darkness put to flight; till in the daylight of the Blest it joys to find itself at rest.  Almighty Father, hear our cry, through Jesus Christ, our Lord most High, who with the Holy Ghost and Thee doth live and reign eternally).

The three-line illuminated ''S'' begins Psalm 68 (King James 69) 1-36: ''Salvum...'' (Save me, O God: for the waters are come in even unto my soul...).

Shipped in archival 14x11'' mat.

  • Inventory# IM-10934
Sold Out