The Hours of the Cross.: Tiny Book of Hours leaf, Flanders, c. 1475.

"Your praises reflect the music of my heart."

Recto: 18 lines of text in Latin written on vellum in black ink in a Gothic bookhand script. Ruled in red and rubrics in red. Two two-line Lombard style initials alternating in blue and red.

Verso: As Verso, with one two-line and three one-line coloured initials.

Source: Flanders.

Date: c.1475

Content: The text is from The Hours of the Cross. The rubric (in red script) above the two-line initial 'H' reads: De compassione virginis - On the compassion of the Virgin. The text mentions the embalmment of Christ's body and continues: Has horas canonicas maria mater pia. Tue laudi refero cordis simphonia (These canonical hours of the holy Mother Mary. Your praises reflect the music of my heart.)

Condition: The leaf is in excellent condition, with clear text on clean vellum and with brightly coloured initials. Light toning to the outside edge. The leaf is unconditionally guaranteed genuine.

Notes: The Hours of the Cross tell of Christ's Passion, with the passing of each of the six hours: Christ before Pilate; Mocking of Christ; the Crucifixion; Dying on the Cross/Being Pierced by the lance; the Deposition (taken from the Cross); the Entombment. From the Betrayal to the Entombment, each hour contains a hymn that reminds the reader of what Christ endured, while expressing gratitude for his sacrifice.

Size: Size of leaf: approx. 90x65 mm.