"O LORD, OPEN THOU MY LIPS AND MAKE IT KNOWN"

(BOOK OF HOURS). Illuminated leaf from a Book of Hours. Likely Rouen, circa 1475. One leaf, measuring 4-3/4 by 6-1/2 inches, scribed and illuminated on both verso and recto; handsomely window framed, entire piece measures 12-1/2 by 14 inches. $14,500.

Beautiful illuminated leaf from a Book of Hours, depicting Christ on the Cross with Mary and St. John on either side of him, with a turreted fortress in the background.

This dramatic miniature from a Book of Hours, likely from Rouen circa 1475, depicts Christ on the Cross topped by a narrow plaque inscribed "INRI," with a bleeding wound in his side. He is flanked by the Virgin Mary in blue and Saint John in pink, with the Latin text "Domine labia mea aperies et os meum annuntiabit," a portion of the line from Psalm 50, also known as the psalm of Asaph, which reads in full "O Lord, open thou my lips and my mouth shall spew forth thy praise." The background features turreted buildings from a castle or town defenses. The elaborate border features flowers, acanthus leaves, and hairline sprays of golden leaves, done in gold, blue, red, yellow and green. The text contains one four-line illuminated initial and one two-line illuminated initial, one in blue on a gold background and the other in gold on a blue background. The verso contains 15 lines of text, with two two-line illuminated initials.

In excellent condition, beautifully framed.