Medieval Book of Hours Leaf c 1420 - Magnificat

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Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 17 lines of red-ruled gothic textura script, written in Latin with dark brown ink, on animal vellum. (150 x 110mm – 5 7/8 x 4 3/8’’) 

Rubrics (headings) in red. Two illuminated two-line initials, eleven illuminated one-line initials and seven illuminated line-extenders in burnished gold on red and blue ground with delicate white tracery. Delicate Rinceaux style panel border of vines and flowers in gold, blue and red.   Toning throughut leaf from devotional use.

Northern France, c. 1420.

The two-line illuminated “A” begins the 9th century hymn Ave Maris Stella: (Hail O Star of the ocean, God's own Mother blest, ever sinless Virgin, gate of heav'nly rest. Taking that sweet Ave, which from Gabriel came, peace confirm within us, changing Eve's name. Break the sinners' fetters, make our blindness day, Chase all evils from us, for all blessings pray. Show thyself a Mother, may the Word divine born for us thine Infant hear our prayers through thine…).

The two-line illuminated “M” begins the Magnificat – Luke 1: 46-51: “ Magnificat…” (My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.  Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed…).

This leaf was written and illuminated in France at a pivotal point in the Hundred Year’s War - England defeated France decisively in Agincourt in 1415 and took Paris in 1420.  Not until Joan of Arc’s heroism (1428-29) could France regain hope of restoring its capital.  The book from which this came was likely in daily use at that time

Presented in an archival 14x11'' mat

  • Inventory# IM-11511
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