Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 17 lines of red-ruled gothic textura script, written in Latin with dark brown ink, on animal vellum. Rubrics (headings) in red. (137 x 100mm).
Two illuminated two-line initials in red and blue with delicate white penwork and an internal floral motif on a burnished gold ground and extending into the margin with an elaborate rinceaux border of vines and flowers in red, blue and burnished gold; Seven illuminated one-line initials alternating in burnished gold with blue penwork and deep blue with red penwork.
Italy (probably northern), c. 1425.
The one-line illuminated initials provide the opening for several Psalms, followed by an antiphon: Psalm 114 (King James 115): ''Dilexi...'' (I have loved, because our Lord. A: I will please our Lord in the country of the living. Woe is me O Lord, that my abode is prolonged). Psalm 119 (KJ 120): ''Ad dominum...'' (When I was in tribulation I cried to our Lord. A: Our Lord doth keep thee from all evil, our Lord can keep thy soul). Psalm 120 (KJ 121): ''Levavi...'' (I have lifted up mine eyes unto the mountains. A: If thou O Lord observe iniquities, O Lord who shall be able to endure it...).
The two-line illuminated ''D'' begins the prayer: ''Deus...'' (O God, the Lord of mercies, grant to the soul of thy servant whose anniversary we are keeping, a place of refreshment, the happiness of peace, and the glory of thy light).
Shipped in archival 14x11'' mat.