c 1450-75 - Saint Sebastian - Book of Hours Leaf

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Original vellum leaf containing an arch bordered miniature from a medieval illuminated manuscript Book of Hours.  (184 x 125mm – 7 ¼ x 4 7/8’’) 

One three-line illuminated initial in blue & white with a floral interior in orange, white & blue, all on a burnished gold ground; one two-line illuminated initial & one line extender in burnished gold on red & blue ground with delicate white penwork.  The panel border (verso) contains a highly decorative floral design with flowers, berries, & acanthus leaves in blue, red, green, pink, & burnished gold.

France (Anjou), Use of Angers, c. 1450-75.

The miniature painting depicts Saint Sebastian (Patron Saint of archers & soldiers – invoked against the plague). St. Sebastian is seen with his back against a tree, his head facing over his left shoulder, & wearing a loincloth. Six arrows pierce his body. Two archers appear surprised he is still standing. 

Surrounding the miniature is an elaborate full border in a dense floral motif (with columbines – symbol of the Holy Spirit, and strawberries – symbol of perfect righteousness) in red, blue, pink, green, liquid & burnished gold, and wonderful cat-like drollery seated on a grassy hill in lower margin.

This leaf continues the Suffrages - prayers to saints considered the protectors, helpers & guardians of medieval people. The illuminated “O” begins the Suffrages of Saint Sebastian.

Angers was the cradle of the Plantagenet dynasty and one of the intellectual centers of Europe during the reign of Rene of Anjou, (1434-80). When this leaf was illuminated the two branches of the Plantagenet dynasty, House of Lancaster & House of York, were engaged in the War of the Roses.

Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat

  • Inventory# IM-12677
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