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 vellum leaf printed in Gothic textura type with illuminated capitals in red, blue and burnished gold leaf. The text is in Latin and is surrounded by elaborate iron engravings that include biblical scenes and mythical creatures, including a mermaid. Printed vellum Book of Hours leaves are very scarce, as they were only produced between 1496 and 1530. Beginning with the large "O" on recto is Psalm 142, which translates in part as:

O Lord, hear my prayer. Incline your ear to my supplication in your truth. Heed me according to your justice.
And do not enter into judgment with your servant. For all the living will not be justified in your sight.
For the enemy has pursued my soul. He has lowered my life to the earth. He has stationed me in darkness, like the dead of ages past.
And my spirit has been in anguish over me. My heart within me has been disturbed.
I have called to mind the days of antiquity. I have been meditating on all your works. I have meditated on the workings of your hands.
I have extended my hands to you. My soul is like a land without water before you.
O Lord, heed me quickly. My spirit has grown faint. Do not turn your face away from me, lest I become like those who descend into the pit.
Make me hear your mercy in the morning. For I have hoped in you. Make known to me the way that I should walk. For I have lifted up my soul to you.
O Lord, rescue me from my enemies. I have fled to you.

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Condition: B+

Light toning and soiling.