IM-560: (160x110mm) Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 20 lines of Latin text, ruled in red with rubrics in red, line endings in red & blue, with liquid gold infill. Written in angular gothic book hand on animal vellum. One illuminated three-line initial and two illuminated two-line initials in white & gray acanthus with floral infill on gold grounds; nine illuminated one-line initials in gold on alternating blue and red ground. Elaborate panel border (verso) in acanthus & diverse floral motifs on liquid gold ground. France: Rouen; Use of Rouen, c. 1490.
The exceptionally fine full-page illuminated painting depicts the Annunciation to the Shepherds and signifies the beginning of the Hours of the Virgin - Hour of Terce.
The large illuminated initial “A” (verso) begins Psalm 119 (King James 120) – complete: “Ad Dominum…” (In my trouble I cried to the Lord: and he heard me…). The large illuminated “L” begins Psalm 120 (KJ 121): “Levavi oculos…” (I have lifted up my eyes to the mountains, from whence help shall come to me…).