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 Crucifixion. The scene depicts Christ on a Cross topped by a narrow plaque inscribed “INRI”. Blood is seen pouring from his wounds. The Virgin Mary looks away while John the Evangelist on Christ’s left, gazes in support towards Mary.
The three-line illuminated “D” opens the Hours of the Cross: “Domine labia…” (Thou O Lord wilt open my lips. And my mouth shall declare thy praise…).
The two-line illuminated P” begins the hymn: “Patris sapientia…” (The wisdom of the Father, and truth divine beside, God and man surprised was even at the morning tide: His known disciples left him for to follow more…).
The two-line “D” begins: “Domine iesu…” (O Lord Jesus Christ the son of the living God, set thy passion, cross, and death between thy judgment and my soul…).
The two-line illuminated “H” begins the hymn: “Hora prima…” (They our Lord to Pilate led at the hour of prime...).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
