Printed 1505 - Ages of Man - Book of Hours Leaf

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Original leaf from a printed Renaissance Book of Hours. Latin text in red and black on hand-made paper.  Printed by Thielman Kerver.  Reference: Bohatta 810/813. (180 x 115mm - 7.2 x 4.6")

 Paris, (Use of Rome), c. 1505. 

Noted for its DECORATIVE BORDERS - the paneled surrounds are historiated or inhabited. The paneled surrounds relate the medieval concept of the Dance of Death.

The three-quarter-page scene is based on a 14th century French poem:  Ages of Man The 12 Ages divide mans life span into periods of 6 years each & draw parallels between the seasonal changes & man’s growth, maturity, and decline.

The banner weaving through top image is from Job 14:1: ''Homo natus de muliere'' (Man born of woman); The lower banner continues the verse: ''Brevi vivens tempore'' (living for a short time); The side banner completes the verse: ''Repletus multis miseris'' (is filled with many miseries).

The red two-line ''R'' begins Job 13:22-28: ''Responde…'' (Answer me: How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my crimes and offenses. Why hidest thou thy face & thinkest me thy enemy? Against a leaf, that is carried away with the wind, thou showest thy power & thou pursuest a dry straw…). 

More than 500 years old, in good antiquarian condition with some staining and evidence of prior mounting in the upper corners with a small tear in the blank margin . Presented in an archival 14x11'' mat.

  • Inventory# IM-7299
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