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 three-line illuminated initial in red and white with a floral interior on a gold ground; one two-line illuminated initial in liquid gold on red ground with gold penwork; ten one-line illuminated initials and nine illuminated line extenders in gold on red or blue ground.
Unusual vibrant and elaborate borders in colorful floral and geometric motif in red, green, blue and white on gold ground.
France: Rouen, (Use of Rouen) c. 1470-90.
Three-quarter miniature painting of The Flight into Egypt (recto): The Virgin Mary, wearing blue and gray robes, holds the deep-rose and gold swaddled Christ Child while sitting on a donkey as they journey down a road. Joseph, wearing deep rose and blue robes, walks ahead holding reins in left hand and a white bundle on a gold staff over his shoulder. Maiden wearing deep rose and gray walks behind the donkey. Hillscape with walled city in the valley and towers on hilltops are seen in the background. Surrounding the miniature is a gold bar and lush floral motif on liquid gold ground.
The painting opens the Hours of the Virgin – Hour of Vespers> The three-line illuminated “D” begins: “Deus…” (Incline unto my aid O God…).
The two-line illuminated “D” begins: Psalm 109 (King James 110) complete: “Dixit…” (The Lord said to my Lord: Sit thou at my right hand: Until I make thy enemies thy footstool. The Lord will send forth the scepter of thy power out of Sion: rule thou in the midst of thy enemies…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
