Leaf from a book of hours (15th century)

In the 15th century, a richly illustrated book of hours helped a person 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.
• Unique piece.

Transcript ahead

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.

Verse transcription

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 works of devotion 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 clergy to laity. They were written and illustrated by hand with images that helped visualize religious stories and concepts.

This loose leaf was found in France and comes from a 15th century Book of Hours that we have not identified. However, the border richly decorated with arabesques and chimeras, together with the ornate initials, demonstrates meticulous and high-quality handcrafted work.

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, the forgiveness of sins and guidance along the path of good. A portion of the text appears 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 document of high quality, in perfect condition despite being over 600 years old.