(135x90mm – 5 3/8x3 ½’’) Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. Red-ruled Latin text on animal vellum.
One three-line illuminated initial alternating in blue with white penwork on a sepia ground having liquid gold floral penwork.
Elaborate panel border (verso) in acanthus & diverse floral motifs (including columbines – symbol of the Holy Spirit, a butterfly resting in the bottom margin and a bird gazing toward the miniature painting) in red, blue, green, violet, white & liquid gold.
France (Tours), c. 1480-1500.
The leaf contains an exceptional miniature painting in the style of Jean Poyer. (Poyer (c. 1450-1510) was active between 1480 and 1503 in Tours, France. A multi-talented artist, he worked for the courts of three French Kings: Louis XI, Charles VIII and Louis XII).
The miniature is a beautiful painting depicting a haloed Saint Matthew writing his Gospel. He stops to sharpen his quill while looking toward the reader. An angel, his attribute, wearing white robes and having blue wings holds an open gilt-edged book. St. Matthew’s Gospel rests open on the table lectern on his right.
The text opens Matthew 2:1: “Cum natus…” (When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Judah…).
An animated and well executed image of St Matthew., unusually shown sharpening his pen. The saint's face is particularly expressive. In fine condition with minor devotional wear and some flaking to the angel's robe. Vellum repair on recto strengthens the lower left blank corner.
Shipped unmatted
