Antiques for Sale > Books, Manuscripts & Autographs

IM-10689: (108 x 78mm) Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. Red-ruled for 14 lines of text, written in Latin with dark brown ink in lettre batarde script on animal vellum.

One three-line illuminated initial in blue with white tracery on a liquid gold ground with an interior floral motif in white and green; three one-line & initials in gold, on blue and red ground, with delicate white tracery.

The panel border contains an intricate floral motif (including strawberries - symbol of perfect righteousness) with acanthus leaves and two birds in blue, red, pink, green and liquid gold.

Northern France or Flanders, c. 1460-80.

The miniature painting depicts David in Prayer. David, dressed in rich robes, lined with royal ermine, kneels in prayer. He directs his appeal for forgiveness to God who is seen in the upper right with golden rays emanating downward. David's attribute, the golden harp, is seen behind him.

This leaf begins the Penitential Psalms. David, a great, noble king was also as great a sinner & the perfect model penitent. The illuminated three-line ''D'' opens Psalm 6: ''Domine ne in furore...'' (O Lord, rebuke me not in thy indignation, nor chastise me in thy wrath. Have mercy on me...).