Book of Hours Leaf w whimsical dragon - c 1490-1510

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Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 25 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin in angular gothic book-hand script on animal vellum.  (160 x 115mm – 6 ¼ x 4 ½’’) 

Two  two-line illuminated initials alternating blue, and blue and white on gold ground; sixteen illuminated one-line initials and fifteen illuminated line-extenders in gold on a red or blue ground.  

Unusual vibrant and elaborate panel borders in colorful floral and gemstone motif on a red or gold ground – with a whimsical dragon-like creature  (verso) munching on an acanthus leaf!               

France: Rouen (Use of Rouen)  c. 1490-1510.

Style and execution of the miniature paintings in the parent manuscript are closely related to the Master of the Geneva Latini (see Walter 224 & 233 for examples).                                                                              

The one-line illuminated “M” continues the popular medieval hymn Ave Maris Stella: “Monstra…” (Show thyself a Mother, may the Word divine born for us thine Infant hear our prayers through thine. Virgin all excelling, mildest of the mild, free from guilt preserve us meek and undefiled. Keep our life all spotless, make our way secure till we find in Jesus, joy for evermore. Praise to God the Father, honor to the Son, in the Holy Spirit, be the glory one. Amen).

The two-line illuminated “M” begins the Magnificat – Luke 1:46-55: “Magnificat…” (My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Because he that is mighty, hath done great things to me; and holy is his name. And his mercy is from generation unto generations, to them that fear him…).

Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat

  • Inventory# IM-11819
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