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IM-2870: (150x100mm) Original leaf from a medieval Book of Hours on animal vellum. Verso: blank. One illuminated three-line initial, & one illuminated two-line initial in burnished gold with blue internal pen-work - surrounded by a deep blue color & delicate red pen-work.  Four one-line illuminated initials alternating in blue with red pen-work & gold with blue pen-work. Beautiful full-panel border, & three-quarter border of burnished gold, deep blue & delicate red & blue pen flourishes.

Half-page miniature painting in gold and vibrant colors depicting The Last Supper. Christ is seated, center, with his right hand raised, prophesying the upcoming betrayal. The apostles are seen gathered around the table.  Under the table is Mary Magdalene anointing Christ’s feet, wiping his feet with her hair. Judas stands with his hand outstretched, all eyes looking his way, as he objects to the use of the expensive ointment.  This painting reflects Spanish influence occasionally manifested in the arts of this French region.

Southeastern France, Aix or Marseilles, c. 1460. (Made for a patron most likely residing in Provence, along the stretch between Aix & Marseilles – a region host to scribes & artists from all over Europe).

This unusual leaf was formerly in the collection of Count Paul Durrieu (1855-1925), one of the first and most eminent historians of late Medieval French Illuminated Manuscripts and Keeper of Manuscripts at the Bibliotheque Nationale