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IM-9935: (108x78mm) Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. Red-ruled for 13 lines of text, written in Latin in angular batarde script with dark brown ink, on animal vellum. Rubrics (headings) and versal initials in red. One illuminated four-line initial in blue and white on a burnished gold ground with a floral interior in blue, red, white & burnished gold, & extending into the margin with a rinceaux border in pink, blue & burnished gold; Two illuminated two-line initials in red surrounded with delicate and highly intricate blue penwork, extending into the margin; Four illuminated one-line initials alternating in blue & red.

Northern France, Use of Amiens, c. 1430-50 – likely written for a noblewoman.

The illuminated two-line "F" begins:  "Familorum.." (O Lord, we beseech thee, to forgive the offences of thy servants...) The illuminated four-line "D" begins the Hour of Terce: “Deus…” (Incline unto my aid O God. O Lord make haste to help me.  Glory be to the Father…).  The illuminated two-line "U" begins with hymn Veni Creator Spiritus, & then switches to Memento Salutis Auctor: "Veni..." (Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest, & in our souls take up Thy rest; come with Thy grace & heavenly aid to fill the hearts which Thou hast made. Remember, O Creator Lord...).

Books of Hours are personal prayer books of a devout and status-conscious society and are not only works of art, but cultural documents of their time.  They reveal a unique combination of sacred and secular imagery - made of the finest materials, by the best craftsmen, for a small audience that could both appreciate and afford them.