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’’)
Six 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.
The miniature painting surrounding the text on the right & bottom depicts Christ before Pilate: Christ wearing a robe & crown of golden thorns, his hands tied in front, stands beneath Pilate who is washing his hands of the situation. The men beneath the text look upward at Christ mocking him.
This leaf continues the Hours of the Cross. The two-line illuminated “P” begins: “Patris…” (The wisdom of the Father, & truth divine beside, God & man surprised was even at the morning tide: His known disciples left Him for to follow more: Sold & betrayed to the Jews they did afflict Him sore…).
The two-line illuminated “D” begins: “Domine…” (O Lord Jesus Christ the Son of the living God, set Thy passion, cross, & death between Thy judgment & my soul, now, & in the hour of my death & vouchsafe to grant unto me grace & mercy: to the living and the dead rest and pardon…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
