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 plants, animals and mythical creatures. Six of the engravings are allegories from the Dance of Death, depicting a skeleton with various individuals, including a baby, a cleric, a duchess, and a regent. Printed vellum Book of Hours leaves are very scarce, as they were only produced between 1496 and 1530. Beginning with the large "D" on recto is Psalm 6, which translates in part as:

O Lord, do not rebuke me in your fury, nor chastise me in your wrath.
Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am weak. Heal me, Lord, for my bones have become disturbed,
and my soul has been very troubled. But as for you, Lord, when?
Turn to me, Lord, and rescue my soul. Save me because of your mercy.
For there is no one in death who would be mindful of you. And who will confess to you in Hell?
I have labored in my groaning. Every night, with my tears, I will wash my bed and drench my blanket.
My eye has been troubled by rage. I have grown old among all my enemies.
Scatter before me, all you who work iniquity, for the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping.
The Lord has heard my supplication. The Lord has accepted my prayer.
Let all my enemies be ashamed and together be greatly troubled. May they be converted and become ashamed very quickly.

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Condition: B+

Light toning and soiling.