Original leaf from a printed & hand-illuminated Book of Hours. Twenty-eight lines of ruled Latin text, printed in red & black on animal vellum.(178 x 115mm – 7 x 4 ½’’)
Four illuminated two-line initials and numerous illuminated one-line initials in gold alternating on a red-orange or deep blue ground.
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 (including St Christopher carrying the Christ Child,, and Christ carrying the Holy Cross).
The two-line illuminated “E” begins part of Isaiah 7:14-15: “Ecce...” (Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel…).
The two-line illuminated “M” begins Luke 1:26-28: “Missus est…” (The Angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth… Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women).
The two-line illuminated “Q” begins Luke 1:29-33: “Que cum…” (Who having heard, was troubled at his saying…Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be call the Son of the most High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David…).
The two-line illuminated “D” begins Luke 1:34-38 “Dixit…” (And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done…the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God…Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word…)
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
