John the Baptist & Michael Archangel - 1518 Book Hours Leaf

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Original leaf from a printed & hand-illuminated Book of Hours.  Twenty-eight lines of ruled Latin text, printed in black on animal vellum. (178 x 115mm – 7 x 4 ½’’) 

Three illuminated two-line initials & two illuminated one-line initials in gold alternating on a red-orange or deep blue ground.  Two nine-line miniature paintings of Saints Michael & John the Baptist.

Printed by Gilles Hardouyn & hand-painted in the workshop of Germain Hardouyn - brother of the printer & a highly skilled illuminator.  Paris (Use of Rome), c. 1518.

Noted for its DECORATIVE BORDERS - the paneled surrounds are historiated (containing identifiable scenes or figures) or inhabited forms.

This leaf is from the section of Suffrages - prayers to saints who were considered the protectors, helpers and guardians of medieval people.  

The miniature painting of St. Michael the Archangel (patron saint of warriors) depicts him carrying a gold cross-staff in his right hand with a green demon at his feet. The text begins: “Michael…” (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 the Lord…).

The miniature painting of St. John the Baptist (patron saint of builders & tailors) depicts him pointing to the Lamb of God. The text begins: “Inter natos…” (Among those born of woman none arose greater than John the Baptist.  He was a man sent by God. Whose name was John…). 

Presented in an archival 14x11'' mat

  • Inventory# IM-11474
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