Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 16 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin on animal vellum. Leaf dimensions: 165 x 128mm – 6.5 x 5 inches.
One five-line historiated illuminated initial with an internal painting of St. Matthew and an angel.
The text, verso, is surrounded on three sides by a dense floral border (including grapes and red roses) with in rich colors and liquid gold. The tetx is written in a very fine gothic bookhand by an accomplished scribe.
France (probably Paris), c. 1450-1475.
The historiated initial depicts St. Matthew, wearing blue robes, consulting a book held by his symbol, an angel, while writing his Gospel.
Recto concludes the Second Gospel Lesson – Luke 1:33-38: “Et regni eius…” (And of his kingdom there will be no end. And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man? And the angel answering said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God…And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word).
The historiated initial “C” begins the Third Gospel Lesson (Three Wise Men)– Matthew 2:1-5: “Cum natus esset…” ( When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Judah, in the days of King Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to adore him. And King Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born. But they said to him: In Bethlehem of Judah).
Very fine condition and quite attractive. Shipped unmatted.
