Book of Hours illuminated leaf. Psalm 119

A beautifully illuminated original leaf from a late medieval manuscript Book of Hours.

Recto: 18 lines of text written in Latin on fine vellum in brown ink in a gothic textura script. One two-line illuminated initial “A” in burnished gold bordered in black, decorated internally with flowers in blue and red on a burnished gold ground, and finished with fine white penwork. Five one-line illuminated initials and five line fillers in burnished gold, red, blue, black and white. Versal initials touched in yellow. The text is bordered to the left with a beautifully executed illuminated panel consisting of acanthus leaves in blue and gold, above and below which are salmon and white flowers with leaves on fine black stems.

Verso: As Recto, but with four one-line intials and three line fillers. The illuminated panel includes blue, salmon and white flowers and strawberry flowers and fruit.

Source: Northern France.

Date: c.1475

Content: This leaf is from the ‘Hours of the Virgin I’, Terce. The two-line illuminated initial “A” begins Psalm 119 (KJV 120): “Ad dominum cum tribularet, clamavi et exaudit me. Domine libera animam meam a labiis iniquis et a lingua dolosa.” (In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me. Deliver my soul O Lord, from lying lips and from a deceitful tongue.)
Verso includes a Hymn to Mary, the mother of God: Memento salutis auctor… .

Condition: This leaf is in very good condition. There is some age-related browning to the vellum at the edges of the leaf, but not affecting the illuminations or text. The illuminations are in excellent condition with bright colours and fine gilding. The leaf is unconditionally guaranteed genuine. Size: Text & illuminated area approx.110x90 mm. Mat size: 290x260 mm. Presented in a museum quality triple mat, ready to frame. Certificate of Authenticity.
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