Original leaf from a printed & hand-illuminated Book of Hours. Twenty-eight lines of ruled Latin text, printed in black on animal vellum. (178 x 115mm – 7 x 4 ½’’)
Five illuminated two-line initials and two 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 forms – including St. Christopher and John the Evangelist.
The two-line illuminated “D” begins the prayer: “Deus qui…” (O God, Thou hast willed that at the message of an angel Thy Word should take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary…).
The two-line illuminated “P” begins: “Protégé…” (Protect O Lord thy people: and conserve the confident in the patronage of the Apostles Peter and Paul, and the other Apostles, with perpetual defense).
The two-line illuminated “O” begins: “Omnes…” (O Lord we beseech thee, that all thy saints may everywhere help us: that while we reverently recognize their merits, we may feel their patronages: and grant us thy peace in our times…).
The two-line illuminated “A” begins the hymn: “Ave stella matutina…” (Hail, morning star, remedy of sinners, ruler and queen of the world, alone worthy to be called a virgin, against the spears of the enemy. Interpose the shield of salvation…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
