Original continuous bifolium leaves (two leaves – four pages) from a printed & beautifully hand-illuminated Book of Hours. Ruled for twenty-six lines of Latin text, printed in black on animal vellum. (Overall Size: 6 3/8 x 8 1/2 inches, Each Leaf: 163 x 108mm – 6 3/8 x 4 1/4’’)
This is the center pair of leaves from a quire, thus the text is continuous and can be read starting from the recto of the first leaf to the verso, then to the recto of the second leaf and finally to its verso. Scarce, that can only happen on the center bifolium. The two joined leaves impart the feeling and appearance of an open medieval book !
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, strawberry (symbol of perfect righteousness), and columbine (symbol of the Holy Spirit) 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 “D” begins Psalm 24 (King James 25) 8-22: “Dulcis et rectus…”
The nine lessons from Job contain moving readings from Job detailing the trials he endured in his struggle for God’s blessings. The two-line illuminated “R” begins Lesson IV – Job 13:22-28: “Responde michi. Quantas habeo…” (He replied. Call me, and I will answer thee: or else I will speak, and do thou answer me. How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my crimes and offences…).
The two-line illuminated “H” begins Lesson V – Job 14: 1-6: “Homo natus…” (Man is born of a woman, living for a short time, is filled with many miseries…).
The two-line illuminated “Q” begins Lesson VI – Job 14: 13-16: “Quis michi…” (Who will grant me this, that thou mayst protect me in hell, and hide me till thy wrath pass…).
The two-line illuminated “E” begins Psalm 39: 1-13: “Expectans…” (With expectation I have waited for the Lord, and he was attentive to me. And he heard my prayers…).
Shipped unmatted
