Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 22 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin in gothic book-hand script on animal vellum. (160 x 103mm - 6.4 x 4.1") Rubrics in red & line ending in red with liquid gold infill.
Four illuminated two-line initials alternating in white on gold ground and gold on blue ground. Some flaking on both miniatures.
Northern France, c. 1510-20.
Elaborate geometric panel borders with acanthus & floral motifs on gold and sepia ground.
Nine-line miniature painting of St. Avia: A haloed Virgin Mary is seen holding a chalice and host as she offers Holy Communion to a haloed St. Avia who is seen looking out the prison window with hands clasped. The Virgin Mary is followed by an angel with golden wings.
The second nine-line miniature painting depicts St. Apollonia (patron saint of dentists): A haloed St. Apollonia holds her attribute, a tooth, by large forceps.
These miniatures are by the Master Jean Coene (also known as the Master of the Paris Entries), a prolific artist who was active in Paris for the French court under Louis XII and Francis I, and also collaborated with the workshop of the Master Jean Pichoire. Coene’s quick painting technique and the careful finish of his miniatures led him to be one of the most successful artists for a high-ranking clientele in early sixteenth-century Paris.
The text next to St. Avia begins a prayer followed by a request for indulgences. The text next to St. Apollonia begins a prayer in honor of the Saint.
Presented in an archival 14x11'' mat
