Original leaf from a large size medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 16 lines of Latin text on animal vellum. Ruled in red with dark brown ink, in fine gothic textura script, with rubrics (headings) in red. (180 x 138mm – 7 ¼ x 5 3/8’’)
One two-line illuminated initial heavily burnished gold on red and blue ground with delicate white tracery.
Verso contains the guide sketch for what was intended to be a miniature painting, possibly the Deposition from the Passion cycle. An uncommon look at the method of book production, with the miniature intended to be added after the text and initial illumination were completed.
Northern France: c. 1420-40.
Provenance: From a Beauvau Family Book of Hours – at one time belonging to Princess Hedwige de Beauvau, Comtesse de Ludres
The two-line illuminated “D” begins “Deus qui manus…” (God, whose hands, feet, and whole body for us sinners were placed on the gallows of the cross…).
This leaf was written and illuminated in France at a pivotal point in the Hundred Year’s War - England defeated France decisively in Agincourt in 1415 and took Paris in 1420. Not until Joan of Arc’s heroism (1428-29) could France regain hope of restoring its capital. The book from which this came was likely in daily use at that time
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
