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 on liquid gold ground.
One hand-painted miniature of Saint Nicholas.
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.
This leaf is from the section of Suffrages - prayers to saints who were considered the protectors, helpers and guardians of medieval people.
The miniature painting of St. Nicholas (patron saint of children) depicts him blessing three reverent resuscitated youths. He is shown as a bishop with crosier. The text reads: “Amicus Dei Nicholaus…” (Nicholas, the friend of God, adorned by a priestly fillet, showed himself loving to all. Pray for us, blessed Nicholas. That we be made worthy of the promises of Christ. O God, who adorned the blessed Nicholas thy priest with innumerable miracles, grant to us, we beseech, that by his favors and prayers we be freed from the fires of hell…).
The text continues with the Suffrages of Saints Claudius and Sebastian.
Shipped unmatted
