Series I: Manuscripts

Three leaves of rare 13th and 15th century Catholic liturgical manuscripts, hand drawn and beautifully illustrated on vellum. 1. Leaf from a Bible, Paris, middle third of the 13th century: Illuminated vellum manuscript leaf with an unusual and especially appealing historiated initial showing King Ahasuerus, Esther, and Mordecai, all connected by a handman's rope, from a Bible in Latin. Text from the opening through the first three chapters of Esther. (Paris, middle third of the 13th century) 248 x 152 mm. (9.75" x 6"). 2. "Beatus" leaf from a Psalter in Latin, Southern Netherlands, late 13th century: Illuminated vellum manuscript with a fine historiated initial showing scenes from the life of King David and with a decorative border including a hunting scene. Text from Psalm 1:1 - 2:8. Southern Netherlands [possibly Saint-Omer], late 13th century, 140x102mm (5.5"x4"). 3. Leaf from a Book of Hours, Bruges, circa 1460: Illuminated vellum manuscript leaf with a miniature of the death of the Virgin, from a Book of Hours in Latin. 218 x 152 mm (8 5/8 x 6").