c 1532 Book of Hours Leaf - Luke - The Magnificat

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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 strawberry (symbol of perfect righteousness) 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 two-line illuminated “M” begins The Magnificat (complete) Luke 1:46-55: “Magnificat anima mea…” (My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.  Because he that is mighty, hath done great things to me; and holy is his name. And his mercy is from generation unto generations, to them that fear him…).

The two-line illuminated “L” begins Psalm 145 (King James 146) complete: “Lauda anima…” (Praise the Lord, O my soul, in my life I will praise the Lord: I will sing to my God as long as I shall be.  Put not your trust in princes: in the children of men, in whom there is no salvation…).

Shipped unmatted

  • Inventory# IM-12985
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