Original leaf from a printed & hand-illuminated Book of Hours. Twenty-eight lines of ruled Latin text, printed in red & black on animal vellum.(178 x 115mm – 7 x 4 ½’’)
Six illuminated two-line initials and numerous illuminated one-line initials in gold alternating on a red-orange or deep blue ground.
Printed by Gilles Hardouyn & hand-painted in the workshop of Germain Hardouyn - brother of the printer & a highly skilled illuminator. Paris (Use of Rome), c. 1518.
Noted for its DECORATIVE BORDERS - the paneled surrounds are historiated (containing identifiable scenes or figures) or inhabited forms.
The two-line illuminated “M” begins the hymn: “Memento salutis auctor…” (Remember, O Creator Lord, that in the Virgin's sacred womb Thou wast conceived, and of her flesh didst our mortality assume…).
The two-line illuminated “A” begins Psalm 119 (King James 120) complete: “Ad dominum…” (In my trouble I cried to the Lord: and he heard me…).
The two-line illuminated “L” begins Psalm 120 (KJ 121) complete: “Levavi…” (I have lifted up my eyes to the mountains, from whence help shall come to me. My help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. May he not suffer thy foot to be moved: neither let him slumber that keepeth thee…).
The two-line illuminated “L” begins Psalm 121 (KJ 122) complete: “Letatus…” (I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: We shall go into the house of the Lord…).
The two-line illuminated “E” begins Ecclesiasticus (King James Sirach) 24:15: “ Et sic…” (And so I was established in Sion…).
Presented in an archival 14x11'' mat
