Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 17 lines of text, ruled in red, written in medieval French with brown ink in Gothic script on animal vellum. (155 x 106 mm – 6 1/8 x 4 1/8’’)
One illuminated two-line initial, one illuminated one-line initial, and one illuminated line extender in burnished gold on blue & red ground with white tracery. The panel border displays floral designs with flowers, acanthus leaves, and berries (including strawberries - symbol of perfect righteousness and often associated with the Virgin Mary).
France (Use of Paris): c. 1450-75
The miniature painting (40 x 38mm – 1 5/8 x 1 ½’’) depicts the Virgin Mary and Christ Child Enthroned: The haloed Christ Child is seated on the lap of Mary who is wearing blue robes and a crown while seated on a large throne.
This leaf begins the section in medieval French known as The Fifteen Joys of the Virgin (celebrating fifteen happy moments in Mary’s life from the Annunciation to her Assumption into Heaven). The large initial “D” begins the opening prayer: “Doulce dame de misericorde…” (Sweet Lady of Mercy, Mother of goodness, fountain of all good, you who bore Jesus Christ…).
The two-line illuminated “E” continues:”Etres doulce dame…) (O very sweet lady, for the joy you felt when the holy Angle Gabriel greeted you…).
An attractive leaf with a well-painted miniature. Some fading and an old diagonal crease evident across the upper half of leaf.
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
