Original leaf from a French medieval illuminated manuscript Book of Hours. 13 lines of hand-ruled text written in Latin with dark brown ink in fine lettre bâtarde script on animal vellum with rubrics in red. One two-line illuminated initial in blue and white with a floral interior on burnished gold ground; one two-line, three one-line illuminated initials, and one line extender in burnished gold on a red and blue ground. The text and miniature painting, recto, are surrounded by an intricate floral border in red, blue, and green on a liquid gold ground. Verso ¼ panel border in colorful floral motif on liquid gold ground.
Origin: Paris, France circa 1500.
Size: 110 x 75mm – 4.25 x 2.9 inches, from a diminutive manuscript likely written for a lady.
The miniature painting depicts The Adoration of the Magi. The haloed and seated Virgin Mary (beneath a red baldachin) holds a partially swaddled Christ Child on her lap. The three kings are all on bended knee. The oldest king, has removed his crown in respect. To his right and behind him are the other two kings. Hilly green landscape is seen in background; star of Bethlehem radiating towards the Christ Child
The two-line illuminated “D” begins: “Deus in adiutorium…” (Incline unto my aid O God. O Lord make heste to help me. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit…).
The two-line illuminated “V” begins the hymn: “Veni creator…” (Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest, and in our souls take up Thy rest; come with Thy grace and heavenly aid to fill the hearts which Thou hast made).
The one-line illuminated “M” begins the hymn : “Memento…” (Remember, O Creator Lord, that in the Virgin's sacred womb Thou wast conceived, and of her flesh
didst our mortality assume…).
Provenance: ex-collection of Brooklyn Museum of Art, acquired in 1919. Deaccessioned and sold to support the museum collection.
Shipped unmatted
