Illuminated Leaf, C15th | Illuminated leaf from a Breviary, Use of Sarum, first half 15th century

620 mm x 425 mm, an illuminated single leaf on vellum from a Breviary, Use of Sarum, in the first half of the 15th century; written in a Gothic textualis; with full border and illuminated column separator and large historiated and illuminated initial 'B' showing King David, three medium sized illuminated initials, numerous smaller Lombardic and gold initials; water damage to the upper part of the leaf, lower border rubbed, repair on right top margin, flaking of pigments.

A CHARMING LEAF WITH FULL VEGETAL BORDER, MUSICAL NOTATION, AND A HISTORIATED INITIAL B

This leaf from a Sarum Breviary is decorated with a full border executed on gold. The foot of the page is decorated with a depiction of the Tree of Jesse, whose branches grow upwards, encompassing the text. The fascinating motif of the Tree of Jesse is based on a passage in the Book of Isaiah 11:1, which lays out the descent of Christ. The textual passage was transformed into a pictorial genealogy in medieval art and became an incredibly popular motif across various media, including manuscripts, carvings, and textiles. Initiating from the reclining figure of Jesse, the allegorical tree sprouts and encompasses the whole leaf, its branches creating elegant lozenge-shaped openings that are filled with portraits of Christ’s noble ancestors. Beautiful vegetal and floral elements fill the space between the portraits. In the right lower corner, a blue historiated initial ‘B’ shows King David, son of Jesse, with his harp surrounded by courtiers and advisors. The initial marks the beginning of Psalm I “Beatus vir qui non abiit in consilio impiorum”.

The two text columns with fine musical notation for the invitatorium VII.1 “Preoccupemus faciem domini” and hymn VI. “Nocte surgens vigilemus” are separated by a border of woven branches in which a vibrant depiction of the Virgin and Child is inserted below a Gothic architectural canopy. The texts were part of the Catholic rite and recited or sang on all Sundays in Advent until Christmas for the Hour of Matins, which designates the time between midnight and dawn.

Large-formatted Breviaries like this were created for the use in choro, meaning for the choir, and were valued treasures of a religious community.

PROVENANCE

UK, Private collection.

LITERATURE

The Sarum Rite. Breviarium Sarisburiense cum nota. vol. A. Fasciculus 1. Invitatoria per annum. Psalterium. In dominica diebus. Ad matutinas – ad laudes., ed. William Renwick, (Hamilton, Ontario) 2006.