Artist Unknown

Illuminated Leaf from a Book of Hours, (recto) Psalm 13:6, Psalm 43:1–4; (verso) Psalm 43:4–5, Psalm 129:1-6

  • 1400-1420
  • Ink, watercolour and gold on vellum
  • France
  • Gift of Christchurch Branch of the Calligraphic Society of New Zealand, 2016
  • 2023/099

This illuminated manuscript page from the early fifteenth century is likely from a Book of Hours, commonly used by Christians during the Middle Ages to establish regular patterns of prayer. The words here in Latin are from two Bible psalms that were to be recited or sung. Inscribed in ink on animal skin parchment, they are embellished with precious gold leaf and watercolour.