Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours, with illuminations by a Master of the Boucicaut School. 15 lines of red-ruled, Latin text, written with dark brown ink in gothic book-hand script on animal vellum. (127 x 92mm).
Two two-line illuminated initials in burnished gold on blue and pink ground extending into the margin with a delicate rinceaux design in burnished gold, red and blue; twelve one-line illuminated initials alternating in blue with delicate red penwork and burnished gold with delicate blue penwork.
Northern France (Paris), c. 1420-30.
The two-line illuminated ''C'' begins the hymn: ''Conceptio...'' (An angel brings the news of her conception, So wondrously secured from sin's infection: The Church that hence derives illustrious rays, Strives to proclaim her miracles and praise).
The two-line illuminated ''A'' begins the hymn: ''Ave Regina...'' (Hail Queen of Heaven, yet mild beyond compare, Hail ornament of angels, not so fair. Worthy the praise of an archangel's strain, Whose pure conception was without stain).
Provenance: Sotheby's - ex G. Barilla of Geneva, and formerly Frederick Fowler collection (England c. 1820's).
Shipped in archival 14x11'' mat.
