Original leaf from an important printed Book of Hours – in an unusual quarto size. Ruled Latin text with side panels in French. Printed in black, on animal vellum. Space was left for illumination of initials, but they were never executed! (244 x 175 mm)
Printed by Thielman Kerver. Paris, c. 1515.
Noted for its DECORATIVE BORDERS - the paneled surrounds depict Sibyls (women with the gift of prophecy) foretelling the Passions of Christ & His Resurrection .
The fifth line from the bottom (recto) begins the Stabat Mater (completed verso): ''Stabat Mater…'' (At, the Cross her station keeping, stood the mournful Mother weeping, close to Jesus to the last. Through her heart, His sorrow sharing, all His bitter anguish bearing, now at length the sword has passed…).
In purpose & format, printed Books of Hours followed the older manuscript examples. The more luxurious were printed on vellum, as is this specimen.
Shipped in archival 14x11'' mat.
Thielman Kerver (active 1497-1522) was one of the most famous early Parisian printers and type engravers. He worked [and probably lived] “in vico sancti Iacobi/ad signum Vnicornis/ & ibidem venales habent” (in saint Jacob's lane/in the sign of the Unicorn/where they are also for sale.).
