Medieval Book of Hours Leaf

Original leaf from a medieval, manuscript Book of Hours. 145 lines of ruled text, written in Latin on animal vellum. In fine gothic, textura script. One two-line illuminated initial in gold on blue and red ground with delicate white tracery. Made in England, c. 1450.This leaf is for the Hour of Matins. The two-line illuminated M” begins Lesson III: Job 10:8-11 ( an early hand has added verse 12 which completes the Lesson): ” Manus tue?”(Thy hands have made me, and fashioned me wholly round about?[added at bottom]: Thou hast granted me life and mercy, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit).English manuscript Books of Hours are very uncommon. In 1533 Henry VIII decreed that books relating to the practices of the Church of Rome should be destroyed. Most of the remaining examples were held secretly in private hands.

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