Early French Breviary c.1300 14th century leaf with decorative border on vellum

French Book of Hours, 14^th century (c.1300).

Leaf from an early breviary from northern France. Text is written single column in a clear and pleasing gothic book hand of 21 lines. The leaf shows 7 large initials in alternating red and blue inks. The intricate initials stand out with the filigree that extends well into the margins.

A short translation, beginning with the large P on the recto reads:

(populus acquisitionis annunciate uirtutes eius qui de tenebrus uos uocavit in ammirabile lumen suum)

"A purchased people, announce his virtues who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light".

SIZE:

138mm X 103mm

NOTABLE ATTRIBUTES:

7 well done initials, alternating in red and blue ink. Initials and filigree extend nicely into the margins on both sides of the leaf.

CONDITION:

Light toning overall. Minor crinkling of vellum. Slight tiny holes in vellum caused by the oxidation of the black pigment in the ink