Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 24 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin in angular gothic book-hand script on animal vellum. Rubrics in red. (178 x 125mm – 7 x 5’’)
One two-line illuminated initial in liquid gold on blue ground with gold penwork; one illuminated line extender in gold on red ground. Unusual vibrant and elaborate panel borders in colorful floral motif (including holly berries – symbol of the Passion of Christ) in red, green, blue and white on gold ground.
France: Rouen, (Use of Rouen) c. 1470-90.
Ten-line miniature painting of The Garden of Gethsemane. Christ is shown receiving the Kiss of Betrayal from Judas. Peter is at the far left, holding the sword by which he chopped off the ear of the man seen on bended knee. Christ’s arm is outstretched as he prepares to heal the man. Behind them are the soldiers prepared to take Christ on his prophesied journey. Armor and helmets are painted with silver – rarely used. The faces are beautifully detailed and exquisitely painted.
This leaf concludes the Fourth Gospel Lesson – Mark 16: 17-20: “Signa…” (And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name they shall cast out dvils: they shall speak with new tongues. They shall take up serpents; and if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay their hands upon the sick, and they shall recover…).
The miniature painting begins an uncommon section – The Passion of Christ – John 18:1-10: “Egressas…” (Jesus went forth with his disciples over the Brook Cedron, where there was a garden, into which he entered with his disciples…Judas therefore having received a band of soldier and servants from the chief priests and the Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons...Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it, and struck the servant of the high priest…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
