Rochester Institute of Technology Leaf 45

This leaf is from a Book of Hours made in France in the later fifteenth century, and its text conforms very clearly to the Use of Paris. The vellum is very well prepared, and measures 18.5 x 13 cm; the text block is ruled in red, and the main ink is a dark slate color. The formation of the letters, both in shape and in position above the ruling, gives them a slightly insubstantial quality; there are, moreover, a surprising number of grammatical and other scribal errors in these leaves. Simple vines of red, blue, and gold flower buds ascend and descend from at least one large initial on each leaf; the blue ink used for the decoration is especially vivid. See Denison University Leaf 45 for more information about this manuscript.

Text: Based on the leaves we have seen, this Book of Hours accords with the Use of Paris: the leaves in the Ohio State University and Cleveland Institute of Art portfolios provide the best clues. This leaf contains passages from Psalms 12 and 43. A scan of the verso is not currently available.

Rochester Leaf 45 Recto

Rochester Institute of Technology Leaf 45 Recto

Rochester Leaf 45 Recto Transcription

si motus fuero. Ego autem in misericordia tua speravi.
Exultabit cor meum in salutari tuo cantabo Domino qui bona tribuit mihi et psallam nomini Domini altissimi. Psalmus.

Iudica me Deus et discerne causam meam de gente non sancta ab homine iniquo et doloso erue me.
Quia tu es Deus fortitudo mea quare me reppulisti quare tristis

Rochester Leaf 45 Recto Translation

[from Psalms 12] ...when I am moved. But I have trusted in thy mercy. My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation: I will sing to the Lord, who giveth me good things: yea I will sing to the name of the Lord the most high. Psalm.

[Psalms 42] Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy: deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man. For thou art God my strength: why hast thou cast me off? and why do I go sorrowful...