Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 15 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown and red ink in an elegant and refined gothic script on animal vellum. (205 x 150mm – 8 x 6’’)
One two-line illuminated initial in burnished gold on a blue and red ground; elaborate rinceaux border (verso) in red, green, gold, blue, liquid and burnished gold – with blue columbines (symbol of the Holy Spirit), and a miniature painting of Saint Luke seated while writing his Gospels. His attribute, the Ox, is seated to his right.
Northern France or French Flanders, c. 1450-75.
The text on this leaf contains portions of two of the four Gospel Lessons that traditionallly open a Book of Hours. Line two continues the Annunciation, Luke 1:30-38: “Et ait angelus…” (And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the most High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob forever. And of his kingdom there shall be no end. 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 Ghost 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…).
The two-line illuminated “C” opens Matthew 2:1: “Cum natus esset…” (When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Judah, in the days of king Herod…).
A large and attractive leaf in exceptionally nice condition.
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
