Annunciation to the Virgin Mary - c 1518 Book of Hours Leaf

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Original leaf from a printed & beautifully 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’’) 

Initials illuminated by hand in gold, on grounds of blue or sepia with delicate gold penwork. The paneled surrounds are historiated or inhabited. Printed by Gilles Hardouyn & hand-painted with rich sumptuous colors in the workshop of Germain Hardouyn - brother of the printer & a highly skilled illuminator.  Paris (Use of Rome), c. 1518.

The full page miniature painting depicts the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary.

The Angel Gabriel wearing a red robe with green & gray wings descends into the room where the Virgin Mary, wearing robes in deep blue turns with hands raised from gold prie-dieu on which a book is propped. Two windows in back & canopy bed in colors of red, green silver & gold.  The Angel Gabriel points back over his shoulder to God in heaven from whom the message emanates, a scepter in his left hand; a radiant Dove is between Angel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary; tile floor is tiled in marbled red, green and pink.

The Three-line illuminated “D” begins:  “Domine…” (Thou O Lord wilt open my lips. And my mouth shall declare thy praise…).

The two-line illuminated “S”  (recto) begins the hymn:  “Spiritus…” (The Spirit the comforter assist us by His might: Our steps to direct and guide to clear us with His light: That when God at last shall come to be the judge of all. At His right hand He may please us joyfully to call).

Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat

  • Inventory# IM-11659
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