Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 25 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin in angular gothic book-hand script on animal vellum. (160 x 115mm – 6 ¼ x 4 ½’’)
Rubrics in red. Three two-line illuminated initials in blue and white or deep blue on a gold ground; Unusual vibrant and elaborate panel borders in colorful floral and gemstone motif on a deep blue or rich sable ground.
France: Rouen (Use of Rouen) c. 1490-1510.
Style and execution of the miniature paintings in the parent manuscript are closely related to the Master of the Geneva Latini (see Walter 224 & 233 for examples).
This leaf contains the three “Lessons” that conclude the Office of the BMV at Matins. The two-line illuminated “S” begins Lesson I: “Sancta…” (Holy Virgin Mary, mother of virgins and daughter of the king of all kings, bestow your consolation on us that through you we might deserve to have the reward of the heavenly kingdom. Have mercy on us).
The second illuminated “S” begins Lesson II: “Sancta…” (Holy Mary, most pious of the pious, intercede on our behalf, mostly saintly of the saints, that through you, our virgin, he might take up our prayers, your son who reigns for us over the heavens and may our sins be absolved by his love. Have mercy on us).
The third illuminated “S” begins Lesson III: “Sancta…” (Holy mother of God, you who rightfully deserved to conceive what the entire world could not understand, absolve our sins by your pious intercession that we, once redeemed, might be worthy of the seat of glory forevermore and ascend to where you reign with your son for eternity. Have mercy on us).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
