Original leaf from a printed & hand-illuminated Book of Hours. Ruled Latin text printed in black on animal vellum. (180x125mm). Initials & line-endings illuminated by hand in gold, blue and/or magenta.
Noted for its DECORATIVE BORDERS - the paneled surrounds are historiated or inhabited forms - which were executed by Philippe Pigouchet.
The metal cuts were designed by the Master of Anne de Bretagne. Produced by Nicolas Higman for Simon Vostre in
Paris, Use of Rome, c. 1498.
The large internal panel depicts The Pentecost.
The side panels depict the life of Mary.
The text opens the Hour of the Holy Spirit, Hour of Matins: ''Domine labia mea…'' (Lord, Thou shalt open my lips…Almighty and everlasting God, grant us that grace of the Holy Spirit that you sent your disciples on the holy day of Pentecost. Who lives and reigns, God, world without end, amen).
Books of Hours are personal prayer books of a devout & status-conscious society - not only works of art, but cultural documents of their time. They reveal a unique combination of sacred & secular imagery - made of the finest materials, by the best craftsmen, for a small audience that could both appreciate & afford them. 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.
