David and Uriah - c 1518 Book of Hours Leaf

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Original leaf from a printed & beautifully hand-illuminated Book of Hours.  Twenty-eight lines of ruled Latin text, printed in black on animal vellum.(178 x 115mm – 7 x 4 ½’’)

Initials illuminated by hand in gold, on grounds of blue or sepia with delicate gold penwork.

Printed by Gilles Hardouyn & hand-painted in the workshop of Germain Hardouyn - brother of the printer & a highly skilled illuminator.  Paris (Use of Rome), c. 1518.

Noted for its DECORATIVE BORDERS - the paneled surrounds are historiated (containing identifiable scenes or figures) or inhabited forms.

The full page illumination depicts David sending Uriah into Battle. The scene is set in a lavish interior. It depicts King David standing at a doorway with left hand raised  and left hand extended handing Uriah his orders for battle; Uriah in golden armor with sword and tall lance, kneels, receives the document.  A male stands behind David and one across the room with arms folded.  David’s attribute, the harp, rests on the red, green and ivory tiled floor.

The three-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 6 complete: “Domine…” (O Lord, rebuke me not in thy indignation, nor chastise me in thy wrath…).

The two-line illuminated “B” begins Psalm 31 (King James 32) 1-6: “Beati…” (Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered…). 

Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat

  • Inventory# IM-11586
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