A fifteenth century leaf from a Book of Hours containing hymns and psalms from the Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Lauds. Handwritten on parchment in brown and red ink. In gothic script, in Latin.
 
The recto contains one column of sixteen lines with a devotional hymn dedicated to the Virgin Mary, attributed to the Bishop of Poitiers, Venatius Fortunatus (530-609). The hymn begins with a double line illuminated initial in red, blue and liquid gold and reads, ‘Quem terra pontus aethera colunt adorant praedicant trinam regentem machinam claustum Mariae baiulat.’ The recto contains six further illuminated initials, two line-fillers, and star line filler. The boarder is to the left of the script, and displays a panel of liquid gold acanthus leaves with red and blue fruits. Later, sixteenth century, pentrails to the upper portion of the leaf. Pencil to the lower section.
 
The verso contains one column of sixteen lines, reciting Psalm 8.2, lines two to four. The Psalm begins with a double line illuminated initial, and reads, ‘Domine, Dominus noster, quam admirabile est nomen tuum in universa terra! quoniam elevata est magnificentia tua super caelos.’ The recto contains four further decorated initials. The boarder is to the left of the script, and displays similar motifs as the recto. A later, sixteenth century inscription, to the right of the script, denoting to start of the psalm.
 
A very good example, vellum slightly discoloured under the previous mount and rippled. Very minor smudging to the acanthus leaves to the recto and one illuminated initial Tape residue to the upper recto.