Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 16 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown ink in precise and elegant letter batarde script on animal vellum. (95x70mm – 3 ¾ x 2 ¾’’)
Nine one- and two-line illuminated initials in gold on blue and red ground, with delicate white tracery. One four-line illuminated initial in blue with a floral infill on gold ground. The panel border contains an intricate floral motif with a peacock.
France: Vicinity of Lyon, c. 1470.
The miniature painting depicts the Annunciation to Anne and Joachim (Mary’s parents) by an artist working in the manner of the Saluces painter.
The illuminated initial “D” opens the Hours of the Virgin, Hour of Lauds “Deus in adiutorium…” (God, come to my assistance…).
The two-line illuminated initial “D’ begins Psalm 92: “Dominus regnavit…” (The Lord hath reigned, he is clothed with beauty…).
Books of Hours are personal prayer-books of a devout and status-conscious society and are not only works of art, but cultural documents of their time. They reveal a unique combination of sacred and secular imagery - made of the finest materials, by the best craftsmen, for a small audience which could both appreciate and afford them.
Shipped unmatted
