Original leaf from a printed & hand-illuminated Book of Hours. Ruled Latin text (French beneath side panels) printed in black on animal vellum. (168 x 105mm - 6.7 x 4.2").
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.
The front images was designed by the Master of Anne de Bretagne. It depicts (top) a detailed scene of the Holy Trinity surrounded by Angels, and the faithful in heaven with hands clasped in prayer and adoration. The bottom half depicts members of the Church and Laymen from all walks of life coming together to pray in God's church. The side panel (verso) depicts apple harvesting.
The internal panel (verso) depicts God the Father and begins: ''Domine sancte...'' (O holy Lord, Father Almighty, everlasting God...).
Books of Hours are personal prayer books of a devout & status-conscious society - not only works of art, but cultural documents of their time. They reveal a unique combination of sacred secular imagery - made of the finest materials, by the best craftsmen, for a small audience that could both appreciate & afford them.
Presented in an archival 14x12'' mat.
