Illuminated Manuscript Leaf: King David Kneeling in Prayer
Large miniature of King David from an early 15th century Book of Hours (c. 1420 Paris).
Recto: David kneels in prayer looking up to sky at a figure of God the Father in his glory. Figure of David is within an open building and beside him is a harp. In the background, a landscape of hills and trees as well as several buildings are visible Below image are four lines of text that open Psalm 6. An elaborate 4-line initial “D” for “Domine” begins the psalm painted in blue on a gold background with floral interior. Surrounding the image and the text is a bold U shaped border with bright pink , blue, and red flowers on a rich gold background. A second border surrounds the “U” of flowers and acanthus leaves in red, blue, green & gold. Verso continues Psalm 6. 15 lines of text with 4 1-line initials and 2 line fillers in blue, mauve, gold & white. Foliate border with red, green, blue, and gold flowers and leaves.
Paris: c1420. Upper section of leaf slightly worn with some smudging.
Size of Leaf: 185 x125 mm (7.5x 5.0 inches)
Size of miniature: 95 x 65 mm
The text in Latin:
Domine ne in furore tuo arguas me neque in ira tua corripias me. Miserere mei Domine quoniam infirmus sum sana me Domine. quoniam conturbata sunt ossa mea. Et anima mea turbata est valde et tu Domine usquequo. Convertere Domine eripe animam meam salvum me fac propter misericordiam tuam. Quoniam non est in morte qui memor sit tui in inferno autem quis confitebitur tibi. Laboravi in gemitu meo lavabo per singulas noctes lectum meum in lacrimis meis stratum meum rigabo
English Translation
O Lord, rebuke me not in thy indignation, nor chastise me in thy wrath. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak: heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled. And my soul is troubled exceedingly: but thou, O Lord, how long? Turn to me, O Lord, and deliver my soul: O save me for thy mercy's sake. For there is no one in death, that is mindful of thee: and who shall confess to thee in hell? I have laboured in my groanings, every night I will wash my bed: I will water my couch with my tears.
Note: A frame is available for this item for an additional $150.
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