Book of Hours Vera Icon True Face of Christ c 1506

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Original leaf from a printed & hand-illuminated Book of Hours. Ruled Latin text (French beneath side panels) printed in black on animal vellum.(168 x 105mm - 6.7 x 4.2") 

Initials & line-endings illuminated by hand in gold, blue and/or red. Noted for its DECORATIVE BORDERS - the paneled surrounds are historiated or inhabited forms - executed by Philippe Pigouchet.                            

Published by Simon Vostre in Paris (Use of Rouen) c. 1506.

The side panel (recto) depicts a shepherd and his flock; the side panels (verso) depict two of the Seven Virtues - Faith & Hope.

The three internal panels depict God the Son, God the Holy Spirit as a Dove (Pentecost), and Veronica holding her veil showing the impression of the "Vera Icon" - the true face of Christ.  "Oratio ad filium..." (Prayer to the Son.  God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us...). 

The prayer next to the panel of God the Holy Spirit begins:  "Oratio ad spiritum sanctum..." (Prayer to the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit of God, have mercy on us...).

The prayer next to the True face of Christ begins:  "Salve sancta facies..."  (Hail holy face of our redeemer on which shines the appearance of divine splendor Impressed upon a little cloth of snowy radiance and given to Veronica as a standard of love. Hail beauty of the ages, mirror of the saints, which the Spirits of the heavens desire to see. Cleanse us from every stain of sin and guide us to the fellowship of the blessed. Hail our glory amidst this hard life, so fragile and unstable, quickly passing away. Point us, o happy figure, to the heavenly homeland to see the face that is Christ indeed...). 

Presented in an archival 14x11'' mat

  • Inventory# IM-10493
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