Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 23 lines of red-ruled Latin text on animal vellum; letter bâtarde script, with rubrics in red; line endings in red & blue, with liquid gold infill. (160 x 115 mm 6 3/8 x 4 1/2'')
One three-line initial and two two-line initials in blue & white on liquid gold ground with floral infill; Elaborate panel border (recto) in acanthus & diverse floral motifs in colors & liquid gold. (See Walters W.224 for similar).
The leaf contains an exceptional miniature painting in the style of the Playfair Hours – surrounded by an elaborate border, similar to the panel border verso, but on a liquid gold ground and containing strawberries – symbol of perfect righteousness. France, Rouen (Use of Rouen): c. 1480-90.
The painting depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, both with a hand on a pear, while seated at center front on a wide high-backed throne, facing the female manuscript owner shown kneeling in reverent adoration with hands clasped. The Virgin Mary wears blue garments edged in gold with her feet resting on a tasseled red and gold cushion; a gold patterned orange-red and green baldachin surrounds the throne with “Ave Gratiae” written in gold across the top; a starry night sky is seen above. The three-line “M” begins Missus est Gabriel – (Luke 1:26-28 – Gabriel’s Annunciation to the Virgin). The two-line “F” (recto) begins Fidelium Deus (O God, Creator & Redeemer of all the faithful, give to the souls of thy servants departed remission of all their sins…).
The three-line “M” begins Missus est Gabriel – (Luke 1:26-28 – Gabriel’s Annunciation to the Virgin).
The two-line “F” (recto) begins Fidelium Deus (O God, Creator & Redeemer of all the faithful, give to the souls of thy servants departed remission of all their sins…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat.
