Medieval Psalter Leaf, Psalm 119

This stunning manuscript leaf on vellum from a French Psalter, was written in Northern France in the late 15th century. The Psalter is written in Latin in a Gothic script with brown ink and burnished gold initials with alternating blue, red, or white tracery and infill. The term Psalter is used to describe a volume containing the 150 biblical poems know as the Book of Psalms, used for liturgical use and which often contain other devotional material. The Psalms (derived from the Greek word psalmos, meaning song”) are short, lyrical passages written in the first person. Due to their varied content and versatility, individual psalms are often employed as prayers, both in public worship and in private devotion. A beautiful archival mat has been added with windows cut front and back for easy viewing of both sides. This is a rare opportunity to purchase a 500 year old biblical document. This Psalter leaf is part of Psalm 119: “84 How many are the days of thy servant: when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? (partial) 85 The wicked have told me fables: but not as thy law. 86 All thy statutes are truth: they have persecuted me unjustly, do thou help me. 87 They had almost made an end of me upon earth: but I have not forsaken thy commandments. 88 Quicken thou me according to thy mercy: and I shall keep the testimonies of thy mouth. 89 For ever, O Lord, thy word standeth firm in heaven. (partial)” “

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