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.
In purpose and format, printed Books of Hours followed the older manuscript examples. The more luxurious were printed on vellum.
The large miniature painting, framed within gold architectural columns, dramatically depicts The Annunciation to the Shepherds. The scene is set in the countryside with two shepherds on a dirt path – their flock of sheep in the background. They look upward at the radiant angel with red wings, holding a white banner which reads “Gloria in excelsis Deo”
The three-line illuminated “D” opens the Hour of Terce: “Deus in adiutorium…” (Incline unto my aid O God. O Lord make haste to help me…).
The two-line illuminated “M” begins the hymn Memento Salutis Auctor (Be mindful author of our health…).
The two-line illuminated “A” begins Psalm 119 (King James 120) complete: “Ad dominum…” (In my trouble I cried to the Lord: and he heard me…).
The two-line illuminated “L” begins Psalm 120 (KJ 121) 1-7: “Levavi…” (I have lifted up my eyes to the mountains, from whence help shall come to me…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
