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 on each side hand-painted with tempera colors in a floral motif with acanthus leaves, and columbine (symbol of the Holy Spirit) 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 two-line illuminated “D” begins: “Deus venie…” (O God the giver of pardon, and the lover of human salvation, we beseech thy clemency…).
The two-line illuminated “F” begins: “Fidelium…” (O God the creator, and redeemer of all the faithful, give unto the souls of thy servants men, and women remission of all their sins…).
The two-line illuminated “V” begins Psalm 94 (King James 95) 1-2: “Venite…” (Come let us praise the Lord with joy: let us joyfully sing to God our savior. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; and make a joyful noise to him with psalms…).
The next two-line illuminated “V” begins Psalm 5 complete: “Verba mea…” (Give ear, O Lord, to my words, understand my cry. Hearken to the voice of my prayer, O my King and my God. For to thee will I pray: O lord, in the morning thou shalt hear my voice..).
Shipped unmatted
