Details

LOT 559

Medieval Illuminated Psalter Leaf of Psalm 41

(Vellum, 165 grams (mounted), 35.5 x 28 cm overall.).

Circa 1179-1223 AD. A Northern French double-sided vellum Psalter leaf of high quality, the displayed recto side with a superb initial letter 'Q' to 'Que' with gold on an inked background in red and blue; the Latin text in black ink upon a finely ruled background, including lines from Psalm 41 'Que ad modii desiderat ceruus ad fotes aquaru ita desiderat anima mea ad te deus' (As the hart panteth after the fountains of water; so my soul panteth after thee, O God) with panels of red and blue infill work and a fish outlined in red ink; the general lettering in gothic script with additional letters in gold, red and blue inks.

Provenance

From an important collection of Christian artefacts formed in the 1970's and 1980's; the property of a City Gentleman.

Footnotes

The style suggestive of Northern French penmanship and most probably dating towards the end of the reign of Philip Augustus.

CONDITION