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IM-11586: (178 x 115mm – 7 x 4 ½’’) Original leaf from a printed & beautifully hand-illuminated Book of Hours. Twenty-eight lines of ruled Latin text, printed in red & black on animal vellum. Initials illuminated by hand in gold, on grounds of blue or sepia with delicate gold penwork.

Printed by Gilles Hardouyn & hand-painted in the workshop of Germain Hardouyn - brother of the printer & a highly skilled illuminator. Paris (Use of Rome), c. 1518.

Noted for its DECORATIVE BORDERS - the paneled surrounds are historiated (containing identifiable scenes or figures) or inhabited forms.

The full page illuminated painting depicts David sending Uriah into Battle. The scene is set a Renaissance interior depicting David standing at a doorway with left hand raised and left hand extended handing Uriah his orders for battle; Uriah in armor with sword and tall lance, kneels, receiving the document. A male stands behind David and one across the room with arms folded. David’s attribute, the harp, rests on the red, green and ivory tiled floor.

The three-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 6 complete: “Domine…” (O Lord, rebuke me not in thy indignation, nor chastise me in thy wrath…). The two-line illuminated “B” begins Psalm 31 (King James 32) 1-6: “Beati…” (Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered…).