c 1532 Book of Hours Leaf "May God have mercy on us & bless us"

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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 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 “O” begins:  “Omnipotens…” (Almighty, everlasting God, who by the cooperation of the Holy Spirit, didst prepare the body and soul of the glorious Virgin-Mother Mary to become a worthy dwelling for Thy Son; grant that we who rejoice in her commemoration may, by her loving intercession, be delivered from present evils and from the everlasting death).

The two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 66 (King James 67) complete: “Deus…” (May God have mercy on us, and bless us: may he cause the light of his countenance to shine upon us, and may he have mercy on us. That we may know thy way upon earth: thy salvation in all nations…).

The last two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 129 (KJ 130) 1-6:  “De profundis…” (Out of the depths I have cried to thee, O Lord: Lord, hear my voice. Let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication…).

Shipped unmatted

  • Inventory# IM-13031
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