IM-13507:  Original leaf from a French medieval illuminated manuscript Book of Hours. 17 lines of hand-ruled text written in Latin with black ink in fine bold gothic textura script on animal vellum with rubrics in red. 

Extensively embellished, with Five two-line illuminated initials, six one-line illuminated initials, and three illuminated line-extenders alternating in burnished gold with blue penwork and blue with red penwork – many extending into the margins.  

Origin:  Paris, France -  circa 1425-1450   

Size:  6.1 x 4.5 inches,  (155 x 114mm) 

The two-line illuminated “D” begins: “Deus qui corda…” (O God, Who taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that, by the gift of the same Spirit, we may be always truly wise, and ever rejoice in His consolation).

The next two-line illuminated “D” begins:  “Deus qui…” (O God, who, by the fruitful virginity of blessed Mary, hast bestowed upon mankind the reward of eternal salvation: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may experience her intercession, through whom we have been made worthy to receive the author of life, our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son).

The two-line illuminated “E” begins:  “Ecclesiam…” (Make Thy church shine, we ask, O kindly Lord, so that illuminated by the teachings of Blessed John Thy Apostle and Evangelist it may reach Thy eternal gifts).

The next two-line illuminated “D” begins the Hours of the Cross – Hour of Vespers: “Deus…” (Incline unto my aid O God. O Lord make haste to help me).  

Provenance:   Written for the Use of Paris – Rare inclusion of St. Bruno in the Litany indicates possible ownership by a monk of the Carthusian Monastery of Vauvert (Order of St Bruno), Paris (established 1257, dissolved 1792).