IM-10725:
(156 x 116mm) Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 14 lines
of red-ruled text written in Latin
with dark brown ink in gothic script on animal vellum. One two-line illuminated initial in blue with white penwork and an
interior floral design in red and blue all on a burnished gold ground and
extending into the margin with a rinceaux border in burnished gold, red and
blue; eight one-line illuminated
initials and seven illuminated line-extenders in burnished gold on red and blue ground with
delicate white penwork. Burnished gold
and blue bars extend the length of the text on one side with an exquisite
three-quarter rinceaux border in elegant vines, flowers and berries (including
strawberries - symbol of perfect
righteousness) in burnished gold, red, blue, green, violet and white. Northeastern France (probably Metz), c.
1420-30.
The one-line illuminated ''I'' begins Psalm 148:
12-14: ''Iuvenes...'' (Young men and
maidens: let the old with the younger,
praise the name of the Lord: for his
name alone is exalted. The praise of him
is above heaven and earth: and he hath exalted the horn of his people...). The two-line illuminated ''C'' begins
Psalm 149: 1-6: ''Cantate...'' (Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: let his praise be in the church of the
saints. Let Israel rejoice in him
that made him: and let the children of Sion be joyful in their king. Let them praise his name in choir: let them
sing to him with the timbrel and the psaltery.
For the Lord is well pleased with his people: and he will exalt the meek
unto salvation. The saints shall rejoice
in glory: they shall be joyful in their beds...).
|