Original leaf from a printed & beautifully hand-illuminated Book of Hours. Ruled Latin text printed in black on animal vellum. (180 x 113mm – 7 1/8 x 4 3/8’’)
Initials & line-endings illuminated by hand in gold, blue and/or red. Noted for its DECORATIVE BORDERS - the paneled surrounds are historiated or inhabited forms - executed by Philippe Pigouchet.
Published by Simon Vostre in Paris, c. 1515
The full page illuminated miniature depicts an unusual and dramatic Adoration of the Magi – with several additional people in attendance. The Virgin Mary is seated while supporting the Christ Child who extends his arms towards the king kneeling on one knee offering his gift. The other two Magi are holding their gifts while turning to look at the sky behind them. Others in their entourage appear mesmerized by what they see in the sky. Behind Joseph the ox and ass are seen in the stable. The Star of Bethlehem is seen in the upper right with rays extending to the stable.
The three-line illuminated "D" begins “Deus…” (Incline unto my aid O God…). The two-line illuminated “A” begins Psalm 122 (King James 123) complete: “Ad te...” (To thee have I lifted up my eyes, who dwellest in heaven. Behold as the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters, As the eyes of the handmaid are on the hands of her mistress: so are our eyes unto the Lord our God, until he have mercy on us…). The two-line illuminated “N” begins Psalm 123 (KJ 124) 1-2 : “Nisi…”(If it had not been that the Lord was with us, let Israel now say…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
