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, three one-line illuminated initials, and one line extender 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 Annunciation to the Shepherds. The scene is set in the countryside with a town evident in the background. Two shepherds are seated on a dirt path while holding their staffs – their flock of sheep close by. They look upward at the radiant angel with golden wings, holding a banner.
The two-line illuminated “D” begins: “Deus…” (Incline unto my aid O God. O Lord make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father and to the Son…).
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).
The one-line illuminated “M” begins the hymn “Memento …” (Remember, O Creator Lord, that in the Virgin's sacred womb Thou wast conceived, and of her flesh didst our mortality assume…).
Provenance: ex-collection of Brooklyn Museum of Art, acquired in 1919. Deaccessioned and sold to support the museum collection.
Shipped unmatted
