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 two-line illuminated initial in blue and white with a floral interior on burnished gold ground; one two-line, four one-line illuminated initials, and two line extenders in burnished gold on a red and blue ground. The text and miniature painting, recto, are surrounded by an intricate floral border 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 Nativity. The haloed Virgin Mary (beneath a red baldachin) and haloed Joseph (beneath a blue baldachin) each appear on bended knees as the radiant Child lays in front of them on top of the spread hem of Mary’s blue mantle. Golden rays descend from above to the Christ Child. The ox and donkey are present and a landscape is seen in the distance.
The two-line illuminated “D” begins: “Deus in adiutorium…” (Incline unto my aid O God. O Lord make heste to help me. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit…).
The two-line illuminated “V” begins the hymn: “Veni creator…” (COME, Holy Spirit, Creator blest, and in our souls take up Thy rest; come with Thy grace and heavenly aid to fill the hearts which Thou hast made.…).
Provenance: ex-collection of Brooklyn Museum of Art, acquired in 1919. Deaccessioned and sold to support the museum collection.
Shipped unmatted
