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 (verso) hand-painted with tempera colors in a floral motif with acanthus leaves 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.
The large miniature painting, framed within gold architectural columns, dramatically depicts The Visitation. The Virgin Mary, raises her left hand while her right hand is reaching towards genuflecting Elisabeth who holds her red mantle in right hand while reaching with her left to grasp her cousin’s hand. Golden rays emanate from heaven above.
The three-line illuminated “D” opens the Hour of Lauds “Deus in adiutorium…” (Incline unto my aid O God…)
The two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 92 (King James 93) complete: “Dominus regnavit…” (The Lord hath reigned, he is clothed with beauty…).
The two-line illuminated “I” begins Psalm 99 (KJ 100) complete: “Iubilate…” (Sing joyfully to God, all the earth: Come in before his presence with exceeding great joy…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
