The Illuminated Manuscript Company "The Benedictus" fro a book of hours

"The Benedictus" from a 15th Century French Prayer Book

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel

Detail: Additional images below

The Benedictus (the Gospel of Luke) from a 15th century French prayer book (Paris). 16 lines of text on each side written in a gothic script on vellum in brown ink with red rubrics. 2 2-line initials in burnished gold with blue & red and white tracery. 9 1-line initials in alternating blue with red penwork or burnished gold with blue penwork. Rich border on each side with foliate design of blue & red flowers and green leaves on a gold background. Background also contains deep blue and mauves with gold foliate design. Leaf in excellent condition with minor fading to lettering. The text is from the Gospel of Luke and is read during the hour of lauds.

Size: 150 x 109 mm (approx 5.9 x 4.4 inches)

$410 # IMC5303

Frame available for this item.

The Benedictus is also knows as the Song of Zechariah or the Canticle of Zachary. It is found in the Gospel of Luke (1:68-79).

The text in Latin:

Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel; quia visitavit et fecit redemptionem plebi suæ. Et erexit cornu salutis nobis, in domo David pueri sui. Sicut locutus est per os sanctorum, qui a sæculo sunt, prophetarum eius. Salutem ex inimicis nostris, et de manu omnium, qui oderunt nos.

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; because He hath visited and wrought the redemption of His people. And hath raised up an horn of salvation to us, in the house of David His servant. As He spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets, who are from the beginning: Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us. To perform mercy to our fathers, and to remember His holy testament. (English translation)

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