Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 16 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin in angular gothic book-hand script on animal vellum. Rubrics in red. (175 x 128mm – 6 7/8 x 5’’)
One three-line illuminated initial in blue & white with a floral interior on a gold ground; one two-line illuminated initial, five one-line illuminated initials and three illuminated line extenders in burnished gold on red & blue ground.
Northern France (Normandy) c. 1490-1500.
An unusual jewel-filled border surrounds the miniature painting in red, green, blue and white on liquid gold ground. The surrounding border is a dense floral motif in red, green, blue and liquid gold.
Miniature painting of The Pentecost (recto): The Virgin Mary, wearing blue robes with gold stitching is seated, center, with a book open on her lap and her hands clasped in prayer. St. John the Evangelist wears white and gray robes; all apostles look upward at the Holy Spirit, in the form of a white dove with golden rays and descending red flames hovering above with the blue sky visible in the background. The foreground displays a tiled floor in green and gold. This leaf opens Hours of the Holy Spirit – Hour of Matins.
The three-line illuminated “D” begins: “Domine…” (Thou O Lord wilt open my lips. And my mouth shall declare thy praise…).
The two-line illuminated “N” begins the hymn: “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).
An attractive miniature with nicely rendered faces and lavish use of gold. Small areas of flaking in the lighter pigments - overall very appealing. Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
