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IM-4086: (155x110mm) Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 17 lines of red-ruled text, written in Latin with dark brown ink on animal vellum. One illuminated three-line initial in blue with white tracery on a burnished gold ground with an interior floral motif in orange, red, and blue; four illuminated one-line & initials in burnished gold, on blue and red ground, with delicate white tracery. The panel border contains an intricate floral motif with acanthus leaves in blue, red, pink, green and liquid gold.       

France: c. 1450-75.

The miniature painting depicts David in Prayer: David, as king – dressed in rich robes, lined with royal ermine, kneels in prayer. He directs his appeal for forgiveness to God who is signified by the shining rays of light emanating from above. 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” begins Psalm 6:1-6: “Domine ne in furore…” (O Lord, rebuke me not in thy indignation, nor chastise me in thy wrath. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak…).