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.
The leaf is embellished with Four one-line illuminated initials in burnished gold on a red and blue 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 one-line illuminated “G” continues the Seven Celestial Joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary (attributed to Thomas Becket) “Gaude nexu…” (Rejoice in the binding of will and the embrace of love thus joined in the highest, that you are faithful to your vow whatever, O virgin, is asked of you by sweetest Jesus. Rejoice, mother of mercy, for the father of the ages will give those who worship you appropriate reward here and the blessed throne of the world to rulers in the heavens. Rejoice, virgin mother of Christ, For you alone were worthy, O most holy virgin, To be of such worthiness That you may be to the Holy Trinity seated nearest. Rejoice, pure virgin mother, Remaining certain and secure…).
Provenance: ex-collection of Brooklyn Museum of Art, acquired in 1919. Deaccessioned and sold to support the museum collection.
Shipped unmatted
