Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 17 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown and red ink in gothic script on animal vellum.(106 x 82mm – 4 3/16 x 3 ¼’’)
One two-line illuminated initial in burnished gold on a red and blue ground with delicate white penwork extending into the margins with delicate burnished gold leaves; one one-line illuminated initial in burnished gold with delicate violet penwork.
Northern France or French Flanders, c. 1450-70.
The text of this leaf continues the story of the Annunciation. The two-line illuminated “D” begins Luke 1:34-38: “Dixit autem…” (And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man? And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold they cousin Elizabeth, she also hath conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her that is called barren: Because no word shall be impossible with God. And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word.)
Excellent condition - precise calligraphy on very fine thin vellum
Presented in an archival 14x11'' mat
