Medieval Book of Hours Leaf - Sts Mary of Egypt & Leonard

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Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours, with illuminations by a Master of the Boucicaut School.. 15 lines of red-ruled, Latin text, written with dark brown ink in gothic book-hand script on animal vellum. (127 x 92mm).

Two two-line illuminated initials in burnished gold on blue and pink ground extending into the margin with a delicate rinceaux design in burnished gold, red and blue.                                                                              

Northern France (Paris), c. 1420-30.

This leaf continues the Suffrages of the Saints.  Suffrages attest to the deep personal connection between saints and ordinary medieval people.

The two-line illuminated ''D'' continues the suffrage of St. Mary of Egypt (Maria Aegyptica) - patron saint of penitents.  

The two-line illuminated ''A'' begins the suffrage of St. Leonard (patron saint of political prisoners and prisoners of war): ''Adesto...'' (Hearken, O Lord, unto our supplications, which we present to Thee through Saint Leonard Thy Confessor: that we, who put not our trust in our own righteousness, may be aided by the prayers of him who was well-pleasing to Thee).

Provenance:  Sotheby's - ex G. Barilla of Geneva, and formerly Frederick Fowler collection (England c. 1820's)

Shipped in archival 14x11'' mat.

 

  • Inventory# IM-10526
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