This leaf is from the brief transitional period when the new technology of printing with movable type was combined with the more labor intensive methods of hand painting. The earliest printers were trained in the manuscript tradition and incorporated the conventions of historiated initials and illustrations into their early work. At first they left those spaces blank for the illuminator to complete entirely by hand. Later they developed printing methods (using woodcuts or iron engravings) to decorate the leaves.

This vellum leaf features Latin text with initials illuminated in red, blue and burnished gold leaf, surrounded by elaborate iron engravings that include biblical scenes. From the Paris workshop of Jean (Jehan) de Poitevin. On recto is Psalm 147, followed by the hymn, "Ave Maris Stella." Beginning with the large letter "L" at top, the text translates as:

Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem. Praise your God, O Zion.
For he has reinforced the bars of your gates. He has blessed your sons within you.
He has stationed peace at your borders, and he has satisfied you with the fat of the grain.
He sends forth his eloquence to the earth. His word runs swiftly.
He provides snow like wool. He strews clouds like ashes.
He sends his ice crystals like morsels. Who can stand firm before the face of his cold?
He will send forth his word, and it will melt them. His Spirit will breathe out, and the waters will flow.
He announces his word to Jacob, his justices and his judgments to Israel.
He has not done so much for every nation, and he has not made his judgments manifest to them.

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Condition: A

Very light soiling with two tears in the right margin that have been professionally repaired.