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.

Unusual leaf printed on paper in Gothic textura type with illuminated capitals in red and blue. The Latin text is surrounded by elaborate iron engravings that include mythical creatures, cherubs and flowers. Printed Book of Hours leaves are very scarce, as they were only produced between 1496 and 1530. The text includes part of Psalms 149 and 150, which translate in part as:

The exultations of God will be in their throat, and two-edged swords will be in their hands:
to obtain vindication among the nations, chastisements among the peoples,
to bind their kings with shackles and their nobles with manacles of iron,
to obtain judgment over them, as it has been written. This is glory for all his saints.
Praise the Lord in his holy places. Praise him in the firmament of his power.
Praise him for his virtues. Praise him according to the multitude of his greatness.

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Condition: A

Minor marginal foxing and soiling.