An exceptional, single leaf from a Medieval, Flemish, illuminate Book of Hours manuscript. The page features an extract of Psalm 130, an Antiphon from Ecclesiasticus 24, and a hymn. The text is organised in a box on the left-hand side of the verso and the right-hand side of the recto. The script is rendered in intricate calligraphy, primarily written in dark ink, and constructed in a single column of 15 lines on each side. The opening letter of each new line has been delicately illuminated with gold ink and red and blue tempera. This decoration is also applied to a spine at the far border of the box, and in rectangular and cross motifs filling the space between the lines.
Psalm 130 opens the verso, midway through, with verse 2, beginning: ‘…neque in mirabilibus super me, Si non humíliter sentiébam: * sed exaltávi ánimam meam. Sicut ablactátus est super matre sua: * ita retribútio in ánima mea. Speret Israël in Dómino: * ex hoc nunc et usque in sæculum.’ This translates as: ‘….nor in wonderful things above me. If I was not humbly minded, but exalted my soul: As a child that is weaned is towards his mother, so reward in my soul. Let Israel hope in the Lord, from henceforth now and for ever.’
On Line 9 of the verse, an Antiphon to the Virgin Mary follows the psalm. An antiphon is a short chant, that follows a psalm and was usually taken from scriptures. Line 9 reads: ‘cum iocunditate memoriam beate Marie celebremus ut ipsa pro nobis intercedat ad dominum Ihesum Christum’, ‘we celebrate with delight the memory of Blessed Mary, that she intercedes for us to the Lord Jesus Christ’.
On Line 13 of the verso, another Antiphon, taken from Ecclesiasticus 24:20, reads: ‘Sicut cynamomum et balsamum aromatizans odorem dedi quasi myrras electa’, ‘I gave a smell just as cinnamon and fragrant balsam, like the finest myrrh…’
The Antiphon continues on the recto, opening: ‘…dedi suavitatem odoris. Deo gratias.’, ‘I gave such a sweetness of smell. Thanks be to God.’
A hymn comprises the remainder of the recto, introduced by ‘hymn’ written in red tempera. The name of the hymn also comprises its opening line: ‘Virgo Dei Génetrix, quem totus non capit orbis. in tua se clausit viscera factus homo. Vera fides Géniti purgávit crímina mundi, et tibi virgínitas invioláta manet. Te matrem pietátis, opem te clámitat orbis: Subvénias fámulis, o benedícta tua. Glória magna Patri, compar sit glória Nato; Spirítui Sancto glória magna Deo. Amen.’ This translates as: ‘O Virgin Mother of God, He Whom the whole earth cannot contain, enclosed Himself, made man, within your womb. The true faith of the Son has cleansed the world’s sins, and your virginity remains inviolate. Mother of tenderness, the world is crying out to you for your help: come to the aid of your servants, O blessed lady. Great glory be to the Father, equal glory be to the Son; and the Holy Spirit, great glory to God. Amen.’
The surrounding border is filled with intricate swirling vines of dark ink with flowers detailed in gold. Floral and foliar designs in green, red, blue and yellow feature between. At the bottom-outer corner of each box, a human-hybrid creature is depicted. On the verso, a human head and torso tops a griffin-like body with talons and a long tail. On the recto, a human head and torso appears to emerge from a yellow flower. Both are dressed in long-sleeved tunics and a broad-rimmed hat and are gesturing towards the surrounding foliage.
From the private collection of Mrs T. Hedwig, by descent, 2000’s, with Belgian export licence No. 006952 Brussels.
Very fine. Minor wear to the surface of the page. This piece is mounted in a custom frame.
