Original leaf from a printed & beautifully hand-illuminated Book of Hours. Ruled for twenty-six lines of Latin text, printed in black on animal vellum.(163 x 108mm – 6 3/8 x 4 1/4’’)
Initials illuminated by hand in gold, on grounds of blue and/or red with delicate gold penwork. Elaborate border (recto) hand-painted with tempera colors in a floral motif with acanthus leaves on liquid gold ground.
Printed and hand-painted with rich sumptuous colors in the workshop of Germain Hardouyn - printer and highly skilled illuminator. Paris, c. 1532.
In purpose and format, printed Books of Hours followed the older manuscript examples. The more luxurious were printed on vellum.
The large miniature painting, framed within gold architectural columns, dramatically depicts The Nativity. Set in front of stable both the haloed Virgin May and haloed Joseph are on bended knees with hands raised. Joseph gazes at his wife who looks down at the radiant Child lying on the ground between them. Golden rays descend from above to the Christ Child.
The three-line illuminated “D” opens the Hour of Prime: “Deus in adiutorium…” (Incline unto my aid O God. O Lord make haste to help me…).
The two-line illuminated “M” begins the hymn Memento Salutis Auctor (Be mindful author of our health…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
