Verso: 17 lines of text in Dutch and Latin written on vellum in brown ink in a Gothic bookhand script. Rubrics in red, two initials touched in yellow. One two-line illuminated initial ‘S’ in raised and burnished gold on a ground of pink, blue and white outlined in black. Five one-line coloured versal initials alternating in blue and red.
Recto: As Verso, with seven one-line coloured versal initials.
Source: Netherlands.
Date: c.1490
Content: The text is sections of Psalms 148 and 149. Verso begins with the last few verses of Psalm 148 before the rubrics in red read: Cantate domino canticum - the opening line of Psalm 149 in Latin. The two-line gold initial ’S’ begins the psalm in Dutch: Singet den heere… (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).
Condition: The leaf is in very good condition, with clear text on clean vellum that has minimal staining. The illuminated initial is in fine condition. The leaf is unconditionally guaranteed genuine. Presented in a museum quality mat, ready for framing. Please note that packing and postage is invoiced separately. Within Australia: $22.50. Overseas: ask for quote.
Notes: Books of Hours were prayer books designed for the laity who wished to emulate the cycle of daily devotions followed by the clergy but without taking actual vows. The contents grew out of the psalter but included a mixed variety of other types of material - hymns, lessons, biblical readings, calendars etc. Its central text is the Hours of the Virgin. There are eight Hours (times for prayer): Matins, Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers and Compline.
Size: Size of leaf: approx. 150x105 mm. Text and illuminated area : approx. 85x60 mm.
Item Number: MBH116
