Manuscript leaf, Latin text with rubrics and painted initials
A manuscript psalter leaf
A single leaf numbered “lxxxv”, carrying the verses of Psalm 142. Careful dry cleaning gave the text back its legibility and the initials their colour.
The object
A single leaf from a manuscript psalter, numbered lxxxv at the top right. It carries the verses of Psalm 142: “Memor fui dierum antiquorum, meditatus sum in omnibus operibus tuis… Expandi manus meas ad te: anima mea sicut terra sine aqua tibi. Velociter exaudi me.” The text has red rubrics and painted initials in red and blue.
Condition
A grey layer of surface dirt covered the whole leaf, heavier at the edges where it had been handled most. It dulled the initials and lowered the contrast of the script.
Treatment
Dry cleaning in small areas, after testing the inks and colours.
Result
The support is lighter and more even, the black script stands out again and the initials have their colour back. Nothing was added to the leaf: everything you see is original.