Original continuous bifolium leaves (two leaves – four pages) 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. Written in Latin with rubrics in red.
The pair of leaves is embellished with Two two-line illuminated initials and two one-line illuminated initials in burnished gold on red and blue ground.
Origin: Paris, France circa 1500.
This is the center pair of leaves from a signature, thus the text is continuous from the recto of the first leaf to the verso, then to the recto of the second leaf and finally to its verso. Scarce, because that can only happen on the center bifolium. The two joined leaves impart the feeling and appearance of an open medieval book !
Size (each leaf): 110 x 75mm – 4.25 x 2.9 inches, from a diminutive manuscript likely written for a lady.
These leaves continue the section of prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The two-line illuminated “O” begins: “Obsecro te…” (I beseech thee Virgin Mary…).
The two-line illuminated “G” begins the Seven Celestial Joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary (attributed to Thomas Becket). “Gaude flore virginali…” (Rejoice in the virginal flower, and special honor, surpassing the magnificent leader of the angels and the host of saints adorned with worthiness. Rejoice, dear bride of God, for as the bright light of day is given by the lamp of the sun, so you truly make the circle of your peace shine in the fullness of light. Rejoice, splendid vessel of virtue, or whose nod waits the whole court of heaven. You, kind and blessed, his worthy mother, Jesus worships in glory.
Provenance: ex-collection of Brooklyn Museum of Art, acquired in 1919. Deaccessioned and sold to support the museum collection.
Shipped unmatted
