Original leaf from a printed & hand-illuminated Book of Hours. Twenty-eight lines of ruled Latin text, printed in black on animal vellum. (178 x 115mm – 7 x 4 ½’’)
Three illuminated two-line initials & three illuminated one-line initials in gold alternating on a red-orange or deep blue ground. Three nine-line miniature paintings of Saints Lawrence, Christopher and Sebastian
Printed by Gilles Hardouyn & hand-painted in the workshop of Germain Hardouyn - brother of the printer & a highly skilled illuminator. Paris (Use of Rome), c. 1518.
Noted for its DECORATIVE BORDERS - the paneled surrounds are historiated (containing identifiable scenes or figures) or inhabited forms.
This leaf is from the section of Suffrages - prayers to saints who were considered the protectors, helpers and guardians of medieval people.
The miniature painting of St. Lawrence (patron saint of cooks) depicts him with grill iron in right hand & left hand supporting open book. Text begins: “Levita…” (The deacon Lawrence hath done a good work, he who gave light to the blind through the sing of the cross…).
The miniature painting of St. Christopher (patron saint of travelers) depicts him carrying the Christ Child (who holds cross topped orb in hand) through water - hands clasped onto thick staff. Text begins: “Sancte Christofore…” (Saint Christopher, precious martyr, I beg thee by the name of Christ thy creator…).
The miniature painting of St. Sebastian (patron saint of archers) depicts him tied to a tree pierced by arrows. An archer on left takes aim yet again. Text begins: “O Quam mira…” (O how the renowned martyr Sebastian shone with a wonderful grace…).
Presented in an archival 14x11'' mat
