Original leaf from a French medieval illuminated manuscript Book of Hours. 13 lines of hand-ruled text written in Latin with dark brown ink in fine lettre bâtarde script on animal vellum with rubrics in red. Two two-line illuminated initials in burnished gold on a red and blue ground; ¼ border (recto & verso)are in a colorful floral design (including columbines – symbol of the Holy Spirit) on liquid gold ground.
Origin: Paris, France circa 1500.
Size: 110 x 75mm – 4.25 x 2.9 inches, from a diminutive manuscript likely written for a lady.
The two-line illuminated “S” begins Lesson I – Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary: “Surge beatissima virgo maria…” (Therefore arise, most Blessed Virgin Mary, to act mercifully on our behalf…). The two-line illuminated “C” begins Lesson II : “Cecos cordium oculos…”
Provenance: ex-collection of Brooklyn Museum of Art, acquired in 1919. Deaccessioned and sold to support the museum collection.
Shipped unmatted
