Anonym - Mittelalterliche Handschrift, Stundenbuch oder Gebetbuch - 1450

Handwritten page from a missal or prayer book, dating to around 1400

Rare medieval parchment page with carefully executed Gothic script and rich initial ornamentation in blue, red and gold. The Latin text is written in black ink and equipped with decorative Lombards as well as fine flourishes. The layout of the page with rubricated emphases and gilded initials points to a liturgical manuscript, presumably from a psalter or hours of late medieval times (c. 14th–15th century). The text includes, among other things, psalm verses ("Psalmus") in Latin.

The parchment page has been decoratively mounted in a high-quality frame with a gilded decorative edge and is mounted visible on both sides. The manuscript shows the characteristic regular Textualis (Textura) script of medieval scriptoria and carefully executed initials with ornamental vine work. Condition is good for age with usual signs of use and light staining; overall a decorative presentation.

An attractive collectible piece of medieval book art and a decorative object with authentic historical character.

Provenance: probably Germany or France

The text begins with:

“Parasti in conspectu meo mensam adversus eos qui tribulant me…”
"You prepare before me a table in the presence of my enemies …"

This belongs to Psalm 22(23) according to the Vulgate numbering ("The Lord is my shepherd").

Other recognizable passages:

“Impinguasti in oleo caput meum et calix meus inebrians quam praeclarus est.”
"You have anointed my head with oil, and my cup overflows most beautifully."

“Et misericordia subsequetur me omnibus diebus vitae meae.”
"And your mercy will follow me all the days of my life."

“Et ut inhabitem in domo Domini in longitudinem dierum.”
"And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

At the end it explicitly states:

“Psalmus.”

Afterwards the next psalm already begins:

“Ad te Domine levavi animam meam… Te confido ne erubescam”
"To you, Lord, I lift up my soul … I trust in you—do not let me be put to shame …"

This is the beginning of Psalm 24(25).

Condition: good, age-related signs of use

Frame: modern decorative frame