Original Leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours with the uncommon Use of Chartres. 18 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown inkon animal vellum. (163 x 104 mm - 6.5 x 4.2").
One illuminated three-line initial in red and white on a decorated gold ground with a floral interior; two illuminated two-line initials in gold on a blue ground with gold penwork; seven illuminated one-line initials alternating in gold on red ground & gold on blue ground. Both sides are surrounded by a border symbolizing a knotted golden rope.
France (probably Paris, possibly Tours), c. 1520-35.
This beautiful Renaissance leaf is similar in style to the work of the 1520’s Hours Workshop with delicate, precise Roman script. Manuscripts from this workshop were evidently made for women of the Royal Court, for whom the knotted rope of the ''Cordelieres'' was an appropriate emblem. A calendar leaf in the parent Manuscript records the dedication of the Chartres Cathedral on October 17.
The illuminated three-line ''D'' begins Hours of the Holy Spirit – Hour of Matins: ''Domine…'' (Thou O Lord wilt open my lips…).
The illuminated two-line ''N'' begins: ''Nobis….'' (The grace of the Holy Ghost free unto us befall: Wherewith was overshadowed the maid of maidens all. When the angel Gabriel his salutation said, The Word itself flesh became & virgin fruitful made…).
1520’s Hours Workshop manuscripts are the ultimate statements of the reception of Italianate & classical culture into French court & books as inherently gothic & northern as Books of Hours. The elegant roman script was mirrored by Humanist-influenced roman type introduced by Geoffrey Tory.. Leaves from the 1520’s Hours Workshop rarely appear on the market.
Shipped in archival 14x11'' mat.
