University of Massachusetts, Amherst Leaf 47

This leaf is from a Book of Hours made in the area of the Netherlands in the late fifteenth century. It measures 18 x 13 cm. The borders on these leaves come in two forms. Some are composed of a firmly-defined rectangle filled to its edge with solid color (dominated by cinnamon, deep sky blue, and gold) rendered in a decorative conceit (triangles, waves, bars) and framing simple flower sprigs. Other borders are less boldly outlined and are not filled with solid colors; instead, a speckled background hosts a strong acanthus vine and a wildflower spray in which a live creature (a bird, a human, a zoomorph) may lurk. While this leaf may have been created in the Netherlands, its rubricated headings are in French. See Denison University Leaf 47 for more information about this manuscript.

Text: From the Hours of the Virgin at Matins (the Hymn of Sts. Ambrose and Augustine). A scan of the recto is not currently available.

Amherst Leaf 47 Verso

University of Massachusetts, Amherst Leaf 47 Verso

Amherst Leaf 47 Verso Transcription

fitemur.
Te aeternum patrem omnis terra veneratur.
Tibi omnes Angeli tibi caeli, et universae potestates.
Tibi Cherubim et Seraphim: incessabili voce proclamant. Sanctus. Sanctus. Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
Pleni sunt celi et terra: maiestatis gloriae tuae.

Amherst Leaf 47 Verso Translation

we confess thee. Thee the everlasting father: all the earth doth worship. To thee all angels: to thee the heavens, and universal powers. To thee Cherubim, and Seraphim: do cry out with incessant voice. Holy, holy, holy: Lord God of Sabaoth. Full are the heavens, and the earth: of the majesty of thy glory.