Original leaf from an important printed & hand-illuminated Book of Hours. Ruled Latin text, printed in red & black on animal vellum.
Initials, paragraph markers & endings illuminated by hand in gold, on grounds of blue and/or sepia.
Printed by Thielman Kerver. Paris, Use of Rome, c. 1506.
Size: 165x110mm – 6.5 x 4.25 inches.
Noted for its DECORATIVE BORDERS - the paneled surrounds are elaborately historiated or inhabited metal cut engravings - in the style of the Master of Anne de Bretagne. The panels relate the medieval concept of the Dance of Death - with Death escorting a prioress, a young woman, a theologian, and a newly married woman.
The two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 26 (King James 27) complete: “Dominus…” (The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the protector of my life: of whom shall I be afraid? Whilst the wicked draw near against me, to eat my flesh. My enemies that trouble me, have themselves been weakened, and have fallen. If armies in camp should stand together against me, my heart shall not fear. If a battle should rise up against me, in this I will be confident….I believe to see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living. Expect the Lord, do manfully, and let thy heart take courage, and wait thou for the Lord).
In purpose and format, printed Books of Hours followed the older manuscript examples. The more luxurious were printed on vellum, as is this specimen.
Shipped unmatted
