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.
The two-line illuminated “N” continues the Hours of the Holy Spirit – Hour of Matins through Hour of Vespers: “Nobis…” (The grace of the Holy Spirit free unto us befall: Wherewith was overshadowed the maid of maidens all. When the angel Gabriel his salutation said, The Word itself flesh became and virgin fruitful made).
The two-line illuminated “D” begins the hymn: “De virginie…” (Christ our Savior was born of Mary blessed maid Who crucified was and dead and in sepulcher laid: Rising to his disciples he shewed himself anew And was to the heavens high assumpted in their view).
The two-line illuminated “S” begins the hymn: “Suum…” (God his Holy Spirit sent to his Apostles dear, On the day of Pentecost to yield them gladsome cheer, And with fiery tongues in them did ardent zeal impress: By no means could he endure to leave them comfortless).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
