Original leaf from a French medieval illuminated manuscript Book of Hours. 13 lines of hand-ruled text written in Latin with dark brown ink in fine lettre bâtarde script on animal vellum with rubrics in red. One three-line illuminated initial in blue with delicate white penwork with an internal floral design in blue, pink and white – all on a burnished gold ground; one two-line and five one-line illuminated initials in burnished gold on a red and blue ground. The text and miniature painting, recto, are surrounded by an intricate floral border (including strawberries – symbol of perfect righteousness) in red, blue, and green on a liquid gold ground. Verso ¼ panel border in colorful floral motif on liquid gold ground.
Origin: Paris, France circa 1500.
Size: 110 x 75mm – 4.25 x 2.9 inches, from a diminutive manuscript likely written for a lady.
The miniature painting depicts The Annunciation to the Virgin Mary. Mary is seated wearing blue and violet robes with her hands clasped and resting on an open book on her lap. She looks at the Angel Gabriel who wears gold and red robes with violet wings and points to the Holy Spirit who has entered the room in the form of a white dove, from which golden rays fill the room.
The two-line illuminated “D” opens the Hour of the Virgin – Hour of Matins: “Domine labia…” (Thou O Lord wilt open my lips…).
The two-line illuminated “V” opens Psalm 94 (King James 95): “Venite exultemus…” (Come let us praise the Lord with joy…).
Provenance: ex-collection of Brooklyn Museum of Art, acquired in 1919. Deaccessioned and sold to support the museum collection.
Shipped unmatted
