IM-9990: (108x78mm) Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. Red-ruled for 13 lines of text, written in Latin in angular batarde script with dark brown ink, on animal vellum. Rubrics (headings) & versal initials in red. One illuminated two-line initial in burnished gold on a red and blue ground; two illuminated two-line initials alternating in blue surrounded with delicate and highly intricate red penwork, and red with blue penwork - both extending into the margin. Some devotional wear on clothing. Northern France, Use of Amiens, c. 1430-50, likely written for a noblewoman.
The miniature painting depicts The Crucifixion. The plaque across the top of the cross is inscribed "INRI". Christ's body is turned to his right; The Virgin looks away with John the Evangelist standing behind her with another woman. A centurion, wearing armor and an ermine-lined cloak, stands in the right foreground holding an upright spear and followed by another man. The border is richly adorned in colors and burnished gold with a rinceaux floral motif - which includes strawberries (symbol of perfect righteousness) and carnations (symbol of pure love). A peacock (symbol of immortality) looks at the reader from the lower right corner of the margin.
The illuminated two-line "D" begins the Hours of the Cross: "Domine..." (Thou O Lord wilt open my lips. And my mouth shall declare thy praise...). |