Original leaf from a printed & hand-illuminated Book of Hours. Twenty-eight lines of ruled Latin text, printed in red & black on animal vellum. (178 x 115mm – 7 x 4 ½’’)
Eight illuminated two-line initials and numerous illuminated one-line initials in gold alternating on a red-orange or deep blue ground.
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 - including the story of Veronica's Veil (she holds the veil she used to wipe the face of Christ as he stumbled on the way to Calvary; the very features of his face were left imprinted on the cloth).
The two-line illuminate “C” begins Psalm 115 (King James 116) complete: “Credidi…” (I have believed, therefore have I spoken; but I have been humbled exceedingly…).
The two-line illuminated “A” begins: “Aures…” (Most gracious God, incline Thy merciful ears unto our prayers and by the grace of the Holy Spirit illumine our hearts, that we may be worthy to serve at Thy holy Mysteries and to love Thee with an everlasting love).
The two-line illuminated “D” begins: “Deus…” (O God, to whom every heart is open, every wish is spoken, and from whom no secret is hidden, purify our inmost thoughts by the infusion of Thy Holy Spirit; that we may love Thee perfectly and praise Thee worthily).
The two-line illuminated “U” begins: “Ure…” (ENKINDLE, O Lord, our hearts and minds with the fire of the Holy Spirit: that we may serve Thee with a chaste body and please Thee with a clean heart).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
