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 Christopher.
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 Saint Christopher (patron saint of travelers) depicts him carrying the Christ Child (who holds a cross topped orb in hand) through water – right hand clasped onto thick staff. Text begins: “Sancte Christofore…” (Saint Christopher, precious martyr, I beg thee by the name of Christ thy creator, and by that prerogative that he conferred upon thee when he put his name upon thee alone…).
The two-line illuminated “D” (verso) begins: “Deus qui…” (O god, who strengthened the blessed Christopher thy martyr with the moral strength of constancy in suffering, thou who didst will that thine only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, be marvelously carried on his shoulders…).
Shipped unmatted
