Original leaf from a printed & hand-illuminated Book of Hours. Ruled Latin text (French beneath side panels) printed in black on animal vellum. (168x105mm)
Initials & line-endings illuminated by hand in gold, blue and/or red. Noted for its DECORATIVE BORDERS - the paneled surrounds are historiated or inhabited forms - executed by Philippe Pigouchet. Published by Simon Vostre in Paris (Use of Rouen) c. 1506.
One side panel (recto) depicts deer hunting, while the other (verso) depicts wonderful fanciful creatures!
This leaf continues the Suffrages of the Saints. Suffrages attest to the deep personal connection between saints and ordinary people. Interior panels depict Saints Sebastian(patron saint of archers, soldiers & athletes) and Nicholas(patron saint of children).
At St. Sebastian begins: "De sancto Sebastiano..." (Of Saint Sebastian. O how the renowned martyr Sebastian shone with a wonderful grace, he who bore the marks of a soldier but was urged on by a palm from the brothers, greatly strengthened fearful hearts, since the heavenly word had been conferred upon him...).
At St. Nicholas: "De sancto nicolao..." (Of Saint Nicholas. Nicholas, the friend of God, adorned by a priestly fillet, showed himself loving to all. Pray for us, blessed Nicholas. That we be made worthy of the promises of Christ. O God, who adorned the blessed Nicholas hy priest with innumerable miracles...).
Presented in an archival 14x11'' mat
