Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 20 lines of text (recto), ruled in red, written in Latin in angular gothic book-hand script on animal vellum. (160 x 115mm – 6 ¼ x 4 ½’’)
One four-line illuminated initial and two two-line illuminated initials in blue & white on gold ground with floral infill; two one-line illuminated initials & two line-extenders in gold on red ground or blue ground. Elaborate panel border (verso) in colorful floral & gemstone motif on red ground. Text (verso) is complete Hours of the Holy Spirit - Hour of Matins
France: Rouen (Use of Rouen) c. 1490-1510.
Exceptionally fine full-page illuminated painting of the Pentecost.. Style and execution of the miniature painting is closely related to the Master of the Geneva Latini (see Walter 224 & 233 for examples), and almost identical to a miniature in the Book of Hours, Bodleian Library MS Buchanan e3, likely painted by the same artist - notable for beautifully modelled faces and eyes.
The dramatic miniature painting depicts the Virgin Mary holding a book with gilded edges; behind her hangs a baldachin in deep blue with gold patterning; St. Peter kneels in prayer on her left, and St. Paul kneels in prayer on her right. John the Evangelist stands behind the Virgin Mary’s right shoulder. The Holy Spirit, in the form of a white dove with golden rays and emanating red flames hovers above the baldachin. Other Apostles fill the background. The miniature painting is framed with a garland of crosses hanging from the top and two elaborate bejeweled columns in blue and gold on either side terminating at the bottom with two sets of lion paws.
An extraordinary leaf in excellent condition with vibrant color - minor wear from devotional use. Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
