Original leaf from a printed & hand-illuminated Book of Hours. Ruled Latin text printed in black on animal vellum.(185 x 125mm – 7 .25 x 5’’)
Three hand-illuminated two-line & nineteen hand-illuminated one-line initials in liquid gold, blue &/or magenta.
Noted for its DECORATIVE BORDERS - the paneled surrounds depict important moments in the Life of Christ, and a few inhabited with drolleries and other creatures - which were executed by Philippe Pigouchet. The central miniature and border 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 Adoration of the Magi. The Virgin Mary is seated while supporting the unclothed Christ Child who extends his left hand towards the king kneeling on one knee with hands clasped. The kneeling king’s gift is on the ground. The other two kings stand while holding their gifts. Their entourage is seen in the background. Joseph stands behind the Virgin Mary and the heads of the ox and ass are seen in the stable.
The two-line illuminated “A” begins Psalm 122 (King James 123) complete: “Ad te…” (To thee have I lifted up my eyes…).
The two-line illuminated “N” begins Psalm 123 (KJ 124) complete: Nisi…” (If it had not been that the Lord was with us…).
The two-line illuminated “Q” begins Psalm 124 (KJ 125) complete: “Qui…” (They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Sion…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
