Belgian, likely Bruges; third quarter of 15th c. (170 x 115) Single leaf from Book of Hours. 19 lines in Latin, Gothic Textualis Formata Semi-quadrata script with elegant feet, hairlines, and bifurcations. Hook shaped H, lower compartment of G does not connect. 18 single line illuminated initials in alternating pink and blue backgrounds. Single 5-line initial containing two blue and white flowers. Full border on recto embellished with acanthus and flowers. Blue flowers indicate Bruges location of production. Text block ruled in red, border ruled in liquid gold. Contains the text of the Athanasian creed.
This stunning leaf, dense with floral decoration, contains the text for the Athanasian Creed, an important statement of belief in Christian worship which expounds the Trinitarian doctrine. It is attributed to St. Athanasius in the 6th century, and is the first creed to explicitly explain the relationship between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
This text would have been reflected on in Book of Hours on Sundays in the canonical hour of Prime (around 6 am). Depending on the book’s owner’s beliefs, it may have been placed between the Prayer to the Virgin and the Litany and petitions to the saints.