Code: 12689
This is an original vellum page from a book of hours, dating to the early 15th century. The page is from the Workshop of the Bedford Master, with characteristic detailing on the borders (see another sold at Christies). This example bears a large miniature opening the Penitential Psalms depicting an aged King David at prayer with 4 lines of text, the verso with 14 lines of text, ruled spaces.
Psalm 6 is often featured in medieval Books of Hours to open the section of penitential psalms. Psalm 6 is a prayer for mercy in times of trouble. The most usual miniature marking the start of the penitential Psalms depicts the aged King David in prayer (this miniature depicts a kneeling figure at a table beside a window, which I believe is a representation of King David.)
I have part translated the handwritten Latin inscription in Blackletter to read as "Domine ne in furoze tuo arguas me neqz in ira tua" (Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or in your wrath)" and on the other side "et anima mea turbata est ualde led tu dne ulqfq" (and my soul is greatly troubled O God,) as belonging to Psalm 6.
The wear and faded illumination on this page allude to its devotional use, splashed with the tears of the penitent. It was produced at a time in France of great anguish and suffering at the hands of the English (during the Hundred Years War) including the turmoil around Joan of Arc! The colours are still vibrant and the page bustling with illuminated extravagance, truly a wonderful survivor from this romantic age!
The parent manuscript included Taurinus, bishop of Evreux and Ouen of Rouen in the Calendar and was for the use of Rouen; also see one from the RAAB collection.
OBJECT: vellum page from a book of hours
CULTURE: Medieval, Paris
DATE: 15th century c. 1420 AD
MATERIAL: Vellum
SIZE: 180mm x 135mm
PROVENANCE: Ex. Private Collection, Lyon. France.
