SIZE
2 5/8 x 3 3/4” (image)

DESCRIPTION
From pocket sized missal/psalter ex collection of a noted author and Medieval arts scholar who purchased it in France in the 1970s.

The last photo shows a comp from a private collection via Sothebys now in the hands of an American manuscript dealer. Careful examination indicates both manuscripts are by the same artist and possibly from the same missal. Similarity of marginalia is obvious but also note the handwriting style of the text. Further research is warranted.

The fact that the previous owner is fluent in Medieval Latin allows me to provide the following translation:

TEXT FROM THE LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

[recto side;]

et filia regis regum omnium tuum nobis impende solatium ut celestis regni per te mereamur habere premium et cum electis dei regnare in perpetuum. Tu autem domine miserere nostri. Deo gratias. R: Corum

Sancta et immaculata virginitas quibus te laudibus efferam nescio q[ui]a quem celi capere non poterant tuo gremio tu-

[verso side:]

-listi. V[ersus]: Benedicta tu in mulieribus et benedictus fructus ventris tui. Quia. Jube Do[mi]ne benedicere. Sancta dei genitrix: ut nobis auxiliatrix. Amen.

Sancta Maria//Le[xi[o[n] II

piar[um] pijssima intercede pro nobis, Sa[nct]arum sanctissima [ut] per te virgo [gloriosa] sumat n[ost]ra precamina qui pro nobis ex te nat[us] regnat super ethera. Ut su[a caritate nostra deleantur peccamina]

[Virgin, mother and daughter of the King of Kings, we owe you our consolation, through you the Kingdom of Heaven to reward you as the Queen of Heaven and with the elect of God to reign forever. But you, Lord, have mercy upon us. Thanks be to god. Heart

O holy and immaculate virginity, I know not by what praises I may extol you for you have born in your womb whom the heavens could not contain.

Verse: Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. For. Master, give blessing. Blessed mother of God: be the one who gives us aid. Amen.

Lesson: Holy Mary, most pious of the pious, intercede for us. Most holy of the holy, that our prayers may be heard through you, glorious virgin, [by him] who was born of thee and reigns above the heavens….]

CONDITION
Slight cropping of marginalia. The blacklight confirms there has been no restoration to the paintwork. The gold work is bright and luminous only at 45% angle. Very little attrition of original gold work.

SOLD