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’’)
Four two-line illuminated initials in blue and white on gold ground, or gold on blue ground. Unusual vibrant and elaborate panel borders in colorful floral and gemstone motif on a blue or rich sable ground – with five faces staring out of a basket resting in a vessel with griffons on the side!. 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 two-line illuminated “O” begins the Suffrages beginning with a prayer to the Holy Trinity followed by a prayer to St. Michael the Archangel: “Omnipotens…” (Almighty and everlasting God, who hast given unto us Thy servants, by the profession of the true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and, in the power of Thy divine Majesty, to worship the Unity; we beseech Thee, that by our steadfastness in this same faith, we may evermore be defended from all adversities. O Archangel Michael, commander of paradise, come to the aid of the people of God: and be thou willing to defend us from a hostile power and to lead us with thee into the company of God).
The two-line illuminated “D” begins: “Deus…” (O God who after a marvelous order didst dispose the ministries of angels and of men: grand in thy mercy that our life may be defended on earth by them who stand forever before thee and minister unto thee in Heaven).
The two-line illuminated “P” begins the Suffrages of St. John the Baptist: “Presta…” (Show thyself, we pray, O omnipotent God, so that thy household may go by the way of salvation, and by following the encouragements of the Blessed John, forerunner of Christ, may reach him whom he with certainty foretold our Lord Jesus Christ).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
