Original leaf from a medieval illuminated 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 & white with a floral interior on a gold ground; two two-line illuminated initials in liquid gold on red or blue ground with gold penwork; eight one-line illuminated initials and seven illuminated line extenders in gold on red or blue ground.
Unusually 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 Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (recto): The Virgin Mary, wearing pink robes, kneels on a green tiled floor with hands clasped; an angel with white wings hovers above her while placing a gold crown on her head; red and gold textile behind her. She is blessed by Christ who is enthroned with his left hand holding a gold cross-topped orb on his knee; rose baldachin above; deep blue and gold textile behind him; starry deep blue expanse above. At the top of the paneled wall in the background is a banner noting the coronation. 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 Compline. The three-line illuminated “C” begins: “Converte…” (Convert us O God our Savior…). The two-line illuminated “S” begins Psalm 128 (King James 129) complete: “Sepe…” (Often have they fought against me from my youth, let Israel now say…).
A very attractive and nicely executed miniature. The faces are paricularly pleasing, and the lavish use of gold highlights the design.Some rubbing and flaking from devotional use in the right and lower border. Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
