Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 24 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin in an elegant and accomplished angular gothic book-hand script on animal vellum. Capital letters in text are highlighted with yellow. Rubrics in red. (178 x 125mm – 7 x 5’’)
One two-line illuminated initial in liquid gold on red ground with gold penwork; one illuminated line extender in gold on red ground. Unusually vibrant and elaborate panel borders in colorful floral motif in red, green, blue and white on gold ground.
France: Rouen, (Use of Rouen) c. 1470-90.
This leaf continues the Third Gospel Lesson – Matthew 2:1-12: “[Be]thleem jude…” (In Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to adore him. And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him…and behold the star which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was. And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy…).
The two-line illuminated “I” begins the Fourth Gospel Lesson - Mark 16:14-16: “In illo…” (At that time he appeared to the eleven as they were at table: and he upbraided them with their incredulity and hardness of heart, because they did not believe them who had seen him after he was risen again. And he said to them: Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature…).
A lovely manuscript leaf with fresh and bright colors and gold. Excellent condition and content. Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
