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. Rubrics in red. (160 x 115mm – 6 ¼ x 4 ½’’)
Four two-line illuminated initial in red, blue and white or blue on gold ground. Unusual vibrant and elaborate panel borders in colorful floral (including strawberries – symbol of perfect righteousness) and gemstone motif on a gold ground – with a whimsical dragon-like creature (recto) dancing in the margin!
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 continues the section of Suffrages - prayers to saints who were considered the protectors, helpers and guardians of medieval people.
The two-line illuminated “D” begins the section for St. Lawrence: “Da quesumus…” (Grant to us, we beseech, O Omnipotent God, to quench the flames of our vices, thou who didst grant to Blessed Lawrence thy martyr the power to overcome the fires of his torments).
The next two-line illuminated “D” begins the section for St. Nicholas: “Deus…” (O God, who adorned the blessed Nicholas thy priest with innumerable miracles, grant to us, we beseech, that by his favors and prayers we be freed from the fires of hell).
The last two-line illuminated “D” begins the section for St. Anne: “Deus…” (O God, who vouchsafed to grant to Blessed Anne such grace that she deserved to bear thy most blessed mother in her most glorious womb, grant to us through the intercession of thy mother and sister the abundance of thy graciousness, so that we may embrace their commemoration with holy love, and by their prayers be able to reach heaven, our native land).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
