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IM-1401: (160x120 mm) Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 15 lines of red-ruled Latin and French text, written in brown ink, with rubrics in red, on animal vellum. One three-line & one two-line illuminated initials in blue with white tracery and an internal floral motif on gold ground; five one-line illuminated initials & six line-extenders in gold on blue & red ground with delicate white tracery.              Northern France: probably Paris, c. 1460.

The miniature is an exceptionally beautiful painting of the Lamentation with the body of Christ draped across his mother, Mary. In the background, kneeling in prayer are an angel with golden wings, and a kneeling figure � most likely the person for whom the book was illuminated. The large floral decorated �D� opens the French text of Fifteen Joys of the Virgin: �Doulce Dame��.  This was one of the most popular prayers during the 15^th century. The prayer celebrates the joyous moments of the Virgin�s life from the Annunciation to the Assumption of the Virgin.

The miniature painting and text are surrounded by a border having a highly decorative floral design with flowers, berries and acanthus leaves (including strawberries - symbol of perfect righteousness, columbines - symbol of the Holy Spirit,  and grapes - symbol of the blood of Christ) in blue, red, green and brushed gold. Lavish use of gold is evident, particularly in the shading of the clothed figures. This miniature painting was executed by a skilled artist working in the style of the Ma�tre Fran�ois.