In the 15th century, a richly illustrated Book of Hours helped an individual or family live their Catholic faith.
- Page from a book of hours.
- One sheet, front and back.
- In Latin.
- 10.5 cm x 14.8 cm.
- Probably in France, 15th century.
- Excellent condition of conservation.
- Unique piece.
Transcript front
Detur, Domine, nobis quod rogamus, et exaudi orationem nostram.Adesto nobis, Domine, et libera nos a peccatis nostris, et ab iniquitate nostra. Pietate tua, Domine, propitius est nobis, et ignosce nobis peccata nostra. Adiuva nos, Domine, in tribulationibus nostris, et libera nos a malis nostris. Et inhabitabit in nobis Spiritus Sanctus, et implebimur bonis. Et converts us ad Dominum, et purifies us a peccatis nostris. Et est nobis propitius, et miserere nobis.
Transcription verse
Tunc et hunc sanctum locum, in quo requiescit sacra Dei potentia, ab omni contagione spirituum immundorum libera, et ab omni insidia diaboli custodi. Et fac cuncta, quae in hoc loco fiunt, ad gloriam tuam, et ad salutem animarum nostrarum. Et concession propitius, ut quicumque hic devotis precibus invocent nomen tuum, accipiant ab eo, quod petierint, pro thy mercy. Per Dominum nostrum Iesum Christum, Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.
The Books of Hours were devotional works created in the Middle Ages, between the 13th and 15th centuries. They contained the calendar of saints, prayers dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Cross, the Holy Spirit and the dead, as well as penitential psalms. They offered a guide to prayer and meditation for a variety of people, from great princes to bourgeoisie, and from the clergy to the laity. They were handwritten and illustrated with pictures that helped visualize the stories and religious concepts.
This loose leaf was found in France and comes from a 15th-century Book of Hours that we have not identified. However, the richly decorated border with arabesques and chimeras, together with the ornate initials, demonstrates meticulous and high-quality handwork.
These are verses 18, 19 and 20 of Miserere (Psalm 50) then the beginning of the Office of the Dead. They are invocations to God for protection against the forces of evil, forgiveness of sins and guidance on the path of goodness. Part of the text seems to be a prayer for the protection of a sacred place and a blessing for those who frequent this place to pray.
A rare, atypical, high-quality document, in perfect condition despite being over 600 years old.
