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Details
MINIATURE PSALTER with Canticles and Office of the Dead, in Latin, MANUSCRIPT ON VELLUM
[Germany, 15th century]
53 x 40mm. i + 242 leaves, mostly in gatherings of 10, final gathering lacking last leaf, 14-15 lines in brown in a semi-cursive bookhand, one- and two-line initials in red, large blue initials at Psalter divisions, opening initial not supplied, page-edges stained red (occasional darkening and spotting, not affecting legibility). Contemporary panelled calf, stamped and ruled in blind, tools including a fleur de lis and a cinquefoil (worn, spine defective). Black cloth box.
PROVENANCE:
Brother Theodorus Helveren, monk of St Martin Major: his ownership note, written at the age of 36 on the front endleaf.
CONTENT:
Psalms 1-150 ff.1-207v; Canticles, Benedictions and Prayers ff.208-229; Office of the Dead lacking end ff.229-242. Office of Dead is 14.72.46, 32.57.40, 68.28.38.
Small-format service and scriptural books were an invaluable asset to travelling friars and preachers: but even among 'pocket' manuscripts the format of this Psalter -- thicker than it is high -- is entirely exceptional.
[Germany, 15th century]
53 x 40mm. i + 242 leaves, mostly in gatherings of 10, final gathering lacking last leaf, 14-15 lines in brown in a semi-cursive bookhand, one- and two-line initials in red, large blue initials at Psalter divisions, opening initial not supplied, page-edges stained red (occasional darkening and spotting, not affecting legibility). Contemporary panelled calf, stamped and ruled in blind, tools including a fleur de lis and a cinquefoil (worn, spine defective). Black cloth box.
PROVENANCE:
Brother Theodorus Helveren, monk of St Martin Major: his ownership note, written at the age of 36 on the front endleaf.
CONTENT:
Psalms 1-150 ff.1-207v; Canticles, Benedictions and Prayers ff.208-229; Office of the Dead lacking end ff.229-242. Office of Dead is 14.72.46, 32.57.40, 68.28.38.
Small-format service and scriptural books were an invaluable asset to travelling friars and preachers: but even among 'pocket' manuscripts the format of this Psalter -- thicker than it is high -- is entirely exceptional.