An Illuminated Manuscript Leaf

Illuminated manuscript leaf, 1300s, Spanish Carthusians. Liturgical leaf on vellum, gothic text in two columns with elaborate calligraphic initials in red and blue, intricate foliate and filigree decorations to left margin and intercolumnium. In a black lacquer frame with red velvet liner and gold fillet.

The text is a mix of prayers and psalms. Discernible near the top of the left column is text from Psalm 12:4–5: Illumina oculos meos ne umquam obdormiam in morte; ne quando dicat inimicus meus… — ‘Enlighten my eyes, lest I fall asleep forever in death, lest at any time my enemy may say…’