Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 24 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin in angular gothic book-hand script on animal vellum. Rubrics in red. (178 x 125mm – 7 x 5’’)
One three-line illuminated initial in red and white with a red rose interior on a gold ground; two two-line illuminated initials in liquid gold on red ground with gold penwork; four one-line illuminated initials and one illuminated line extender in gold on red or blue ground.
Unusual vibrant and elaborate borders in colorful floral and geometric motif in red, green, blue and white on gold ground. France: Rouen, (Use of Rouen) c. 1470-90.
Three-quarter miniature painting of The Nativity (verso): The scene is set in a stable with a hole in the roof and Mary and a young Joseph kneeling with hands clasped as they gaze at the radiant Christ Child who rests on the spread hem of the Virgin Mary’s blue mantle and gazes back at her. Behind them in the stable are the reclining ox and donkey. Golden rays stream down with the longest nearly reaching the Christ Child. In the background is countryside with turrets atop a hill.
Surrounding the miniature is a gold bar and lush floral motif on liquid gold ground.
The miniature opens the Hours of the Virgin – Hour of Matins. Recto text concludes Hours of the Holy Spirit. The one-line illuminated “D” begins: “Deus…” (Incline unto my aid O Lord…).
The two-line illuminated “N” begins: “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).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
