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IM-10178: (190 x 133mm) Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 15 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown ink in gothic textura script on animal vellum.  One four-line illuminated initial in blue with delicate white tracery and an internal floral motif in blue, green and pink, resting on a burnished gold and pink ground; one two-line illuminated initial in burnished gold on a blue and red ground.

France, (Paris) c. 1420's by an illuminator close to the Boucicaut Master (fl. in Paris, c. 1400-1420). The Boucicaut Master is remarkable for his innovative approach to perspective and for his use of light. His buildings follow an empirical view, and his deep landscapes impress by their new shining luminosity.

The exquisite half-page miniature painting depicts Mary Magdalene holding her attribute (the ointment jar).  She is standing in a garden with a partial view of a medieval city in the background. Panel border decoration of rinceaux with a floral motif in red, green, yellow, pink  and blue and burnished gold ivy leaves.  The large illuminated "M" begins the prayer:  "Maria unxit..."  (Therefore Mary poured oil on the feet of Jesus & wiped them with her hair, & the house was filled with the scent of the oil). The two-line illuminated "L" begins: "Largire..." (Grant to us, most merciful Father, that just as the blessed Mary Magdalene obtained pardon for her sins by loving our Lord Jesus Christ above all things, so she may obtain for us in the presence of thine eternal mercy a blessing...). Provenance:  Private Pennsylvania collection, acquired from Ruth Blumka (1920-94; a prominent New York dealer in Medieval and Renaissance Art and a donor of artworks to museums around the country).