Small 15th Century Illuminated Vellum Book Page, Handwriting

A beautifully preserved medieval illuminated manuscript leaf on vellum (animal skin), dating to circa 1350–1450, originating from Europe. Italy. This striking example of Gothic craftsmanship features elegant textura script meticulously hand-lettered in rich brown ink across both sides, accompanied by vibrant rubrication and finely rendered initials in red and blue. The recto is adorned with a large illuminated initial, intricately decorated with geometric and foliate motifs, while delicate pen flourishes extend into the margins, demonstrating the skill and artistry of a professional scriptorium. The verso continues with carefully structured text and ornamentation, revealing the continuity of the manuscript’s original use. The presence of decoration on both sides highlights its authenticity as a working liturgical page rather than a later decorative fragment. Executed on supple vellum, the surface retains a beautiful natural patina, with subtle tonal variations and signs of age that enhance its historical character. The text is drawn from the Latin Psalms, traditionally used in devotional practice, adding both spiritual and cultural significance. The text translates in English as: “Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you. Do not hide your face from me; in the day when I am in trouble, incline your ear to me. On whatever day I call upon you, hear me quickly. For my days have vanished like smoke, and my bones have dried up like firewood. I am stricken like grass and my heart has withered, so that I forget to eat my bread. From the voice of my groaning, my bones cling to my flesh. I have become like a pelican in the wilderness; I am like an owl among the ruins. I lie awake, and I am like a solitary sparrow on a rooftop. All the day my enemies reproach me; those who praised me swear against me. For I have eaten ashes like bread and mingled my drink with weeping.” Presented in a custom frame, this rare...

A double-sided illuminated manuscript on parchment hand-written and coloured from the Gothic period (15th century) This is a page from a liturgical book such as the Psalters and cour...

A refined and visually compelling collection of two large-format illuminated from both sides manuscript leaves on vellum, originating from Italian choir books of the late 14th to early 15th century. These leaves, once part of monumental liturgical codices used for communal singing, exemplify the artistry and devotional culture of the medieval church. Each leaf is executed in bold Gothic script with square Gregorian notation on red staves, designed for legibility at a distance. The collection includes examples from a Psalter and Antiphonal, encompassing both textual and musical elements of the liturgy. The group is distinguished by its range of illumination, from finely ornamented initials in red and blue with delicate penwork flourishing, to a more elaborate historiated composition depicting the Adoration of the Magi, rendered in vivid pigments with gold accents and intricate vine borders. This figurative leaf reflects a higher level of artistic sophistication and devotional narrative, typical of important ecclesiastical commissions. Texts include passages from the Psalms (notably Psalm 26, “Dominus illuminatio mea”) and chants associated with major liturgical moments such as Epiphany and the Office of the Dead. The musical leaves preserve the rhythmic structure of Gregorian chant, with neumatic notation carefully aligned to the text. Executed on fine animal (sheep) skin (vellum), the leaves display the natural undulation and patina characteristic of medieval parchment...

IMPORTANT AND RARE LITURGICAL PSALTER, Spain, 16th Century (1550-1750) Psalterium iuxta Romanum (Liturgical Psalter according to the Roman Rite) Latin (with Spanish additions), illu...

To see more, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller." Illuminated psalter - Psalm 31 Illuminated manuscript on vellum 15 x 11 (sheet), 11 x 9 cm (framed area) A beautifully illuminated psalter page, including the Latin text...

A tiny and complete Parisian Book of Hours with a plethora of intricate illuminations. 91 x 65mm (3.6 x 2.6in). 190 leaves on vellum, additional 4 paper leaves after (plus 3 paper e...

A rare and visually striking pair of large-format antiphonal manuscript leaves, dating to the late 15th- early 16th century and likely originating from Tuscany, Italy. Executed on ve...

A striking and authentic pair of Tuscan antiphonal manuscript leaves, dating from the late 15th to early 16th century, beautifully preserved on vellum. These rare liturgical pages or...

Unknown French Art and Workshop, Middle 15th century Roundel depicting St. Catherine (?) Gouache, ink gold wash and gold burnishing on vellum Book of Hours folio attributed to the C...

Monumental Medieval Antiphonal Book Binding with Illuminated Leaves Austria, 1300s- possible St.Peter Abbey, Salzburg Austria, oldest monastery in the German speaking world (founded ...