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, 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 “M” continues Psalm 39 (King James 40) 13-18: “Multiplicate…” (They are multiplied above the hairs of my head: and my heart hath forsaken me. Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me; look down, O Lord, to help me…).
The two-line illuminated “B” begins Psalm 40 (KJ 41) complete: “Beatus qui…” (Blessed is he that understandeth concerning the needy and the poor: the Lord will deliver him in the evil day. The Lord preserve him and give him life, and make him blessed upon the earth: and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies. The Lord help him on his bed of sorrow…).
The two-line illuminated “Q” opens Psalm 41 (KJ 42): “Quemadmodum…” As the hart panteth after the fountains of water; so my soul panteth after thee, O God. My soul hath thirsted after the strong living God…).
Shipped unmatted
