Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 24 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 four-line illuminated initial in blue & white on gold ground; two two-line illuminated initials in blue or blue & white on gold ground; one one-line illuminated initial & three line-extenders in gold on red ground or blue ground.
Elaborate panel border (verso) in colorful floral & gemstone motif (with strawberries – symbol of perfect righteousness) on blue ground. Text (verso) is complete Hours of the Cross - Hour of Matins
France: Rouen (Use of Rouen) c. 1490-1510.
The exceptionally fine full-page illuminated painting of the Crucifixion opens the Hours of the Cross. Style and execution of the miniature painting is closely related to the Master of the Geneva Latini (see Walter 224 & 233 for examples).
The dramatic miniature painting depicts Christ on a very tall Cross topped by a narrow plaque inscribed “INRI”. Blood spurts from a wound in Christ’s side caused by man on ground inserting a lance. Virgin Mary collapsing, looks away while John the Evangelist supports her and glances back up at the cross; Mary Magdalene embraces the cross with eyes fixed upon Christ; heads of holy women seen behind Mary; thieves shown crucified on either side of Christ. Pilate and soldiers walk on Christ’s left past the man offering Christ sour wine soaked on a sponge. Towns and hills are evident in background. The miniature in framed with elaborate bejeweled columns on the sides. The miniature shows the influence of the Master of the Geneva Latini, & faces are beautifully modeled.
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
