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 one initial heightened with yellow.
One two-line illuminated initial and two 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 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
