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 “D” begins Psalm 62 (King James 63) complete: “Deus deus…” (O god, my God, to thee do I watch at break of day. For thee my soul hath thirsted; for thee my flesh, O how many ways…).
The next two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 66 (KJ 67) complete: “Deus misereatur…” (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…).
The two-line illuminated “B” begins The Canticle of the Three Children – Daniel 3:57-60: “Benedicite…” (All ye works of the Lord, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all forever. O ye angels of the Lord, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all forever…).
Shipped unmatted
