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’’)
Seven 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 – 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).
This leaf continues the Hours of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Five hymns and three prayers guide the reader from the Hour of Matins through part of the Hour of Prime.
The two-line illuminated “D” (recto) begins the prayer: “Deus ineffabilis misericordie…” (Ineffable God of mercy who expiated for the sin of the first woman by the Virgin Mary. Grant us we beseech thee, that the Feast of the Conception of the one who, being a virgin, conceived and bore our Lord Jesus Christ, be worthily celebrated).
The two-line illuminated “D” (verso) begins the prayer: “Domine iesu Christe lux…” (Lord Jesus Christ, the true Light who enlightenest every man that cometh into this world…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
