Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 13 lines of text (recto), ruled in red, written in Latin in angular gothic book-hand script on animal vellum. (160 x 115mm – 6 ¼ x 4 ½’’)
One two-line illuminated initial in blue & white on gold ground with floral infill; three one-line illuminated initials & four line-extenders in gold on red ground or blue ground. Elaborate panel border (recto) in colorful floral & gemstone motif on blue ground. Text (recto) concludes the Hour of Terce. The miniature opens the Hour of Sext.
France: Rouen (Use of Rouen) c. 1490-1510.
The exceptionally fine full-page illuminated painting depicts the Presentation in the Temple.
Style and execution are closely related to the Master of the Geneva Latini (see Walter 224 & 233 for examples), and very similar to a miniature in the Book of Hours, Bodleian Library MS Buchanan e3, likely painted by the same artist - notable for beautifully modelled faces and eyes.
Forty days after the birth of Jesus, Mary & Joseph took the child to the Temple in Jerusalem (as tradition dictated). Once there, they encountered Simeon the Righteous who prophesized that the infant would redeem the world. The dramatic painting depicts Mary handing the Christ Child to Simeon, the High Priest whose hands are veiled over a white draped gold altar beneath a tent canopy. Written along the edge of the canopy is “Adoramus te” (We adore Thee). Joseph, holding a lit taper, stands between Simeon and Mary with an attendant behind Simeon. Three females - one carrying an offering basket of turtle doves, and one haloed (Anne?) are seen behind Mary. The miniature painting is framed with a garland of crosses hanging from the top supported by two elaborate columns in blue and gold. This story is described in the Gospel of Luke 2:22-40.
An extraordinary leaf in excellent condition with vibrant color - minor wear from devotional use. Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
