Medieval Breviary Leaf - O Gloriosa Domina

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Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Breviary. 18 lines of ruled gothic textura script, written in Latin with black ink, on animal vellum. Rubrics (headings) & versal initials in red. (123 x 85mm).

Three two-line illuminated initials and numerous one-line illuminated initials alternating in deep blue and sepia, and red blue - with the guide letters visible in most.                                    

Northern Germany or Netherlands, c. 1425.

The two-line illuminated ''O'' begins  the hymn ''O Gloriosa Domina...''  (O heaven's glorious mistress, enthron'd above the starry sky! thou feedest with thy sacred breastthy own Creator, Lord most high. What man had lost in hapless Eve,thy sacred womb to man restores, thou to the wretched here beneath hast open'd Heaven's eternal doors. Hail, O refulgent Hall of light! Hail Gate august of Heaven's high King! through thee redeem'd to endless life, thy praise let all the nations sing).

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 archival 14 x 11'' mat.

  • Inventory# IM-10982
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