Original leaf from a printed & beautifully hand-illuminated Book of Hours. Ruled for twenty-six lines of Latin text, printed in black on animal vellum. (163 x 108mm – 6 3/8 x 4 1/4’’)
Initials illuminated by hand in gold, on grounds of blue and/or red with delicate gold penwork. Elaborate border on each side hand-painted with tempera colors in a floral motif with acanthus leaves, columbines (symbol of the Holy Spirit), and strawberry (symbol of perfect righteousness) on liquid gold ground.
Printed and hand-painted with rich sumptuous colors in the workshop of Germain Hardouyn - printer and highly skilled illuminator. Paris, c. 1532.
In purpose and format, printed Books of Hours followed the older manuscript examples. The more luxurious were printed on vellum.
The one-line illuminated “E” continues Psalm 18 (King James 19) 6-15: “Exultavit ut…” (He hath rejoiced as a giant to run the way: His going out is from the end of heaven, And his circuit even to the end thereof…).
The two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 23 (King James 24) complete: “Domini est terra…” (The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof: the world, and all they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas; and hath prepared it upon the rivers. Who shall ascent into the mountain of the Lord: or who shall stand in his holy place? The innocent in hands, and clean of heart, who hath not taken his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbor…).
Shipped unmatted
