Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 16 lines of red-ruled Latin text, written in brown ink, with rubrics in red, on animal vellum. (153 x 130mm – 6 3/8 x 5’’)
One four-line illuminated initial in violet and white with an interior floral motif on gold ground and all resting on a rust-red ground; one two-line illuminated initial and eight one-line illuminated initials in gold on red and blue ground with delicate white tracery. Verso floral border in bright colors with liquid and burnished gold.
Northern France: probably Paris, c. 1460.
The miniature, surrounded by a lavish decorative floral design in bright colors and liquid gold depicts the Annunciation to the Shepherds. Three male shepherds all look upward with staff in one hand while appearing to shield their eyes with the other. Three radiant angels in the sky hold a ribbon on which can be read “Gloria in excelsis” (Glory in the highest). The female shepherd sits gazing away. A flock of sheep are seen gathered by the shepherds and also looking to the sky. Fields, two walled towns, and towers can be seen in the background.
This leaf opens the Hour of Terce. The four-line illuminated “D” begins: Deus in adiutorium...” (Incline unto my aid O God…) The two-line illuminated “A” begins Psalm 119 (King James 120): 1-7: “Ad dominum…” (In my trouble I cried to the Lord: and he heard me. O Lord, deliver my soul from wicked lips and a deceitful tongue…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
