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Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 24 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin in angular gothic book-hand script on animal vellum. Rubrics in red.(178 x 125mm – 7 x 5’’)

One three-line illuminated initial in red and white with a columbine interior (symbol of the Holy Spirit) on a gold ground; two two-line illuminated initials in liquid gold on red ground with gold penwork; four one-line illuminated initials and three illuminated line extenders in gold on red or blue ground.

Unusual vibrant and elaborate borders in colorful floral and geometric motif in red, green, blue and white on gold ground.

France: Rouen, (Use of Rouen) c. 1470-90.

Three-quarter miniature painting of The Pentecost (verso): The Virgin Mary is seated, center, with a book open on her lap and her hands clasped in prayer. Behind her hangs a baldachin in red with gold patterning; St. Peter kneels in prayer on her left and St. John the Evangelist kneels in prayer on her right. The Holy Spirit, in the form of a white dove with golden rays hovers above the baldachin. Other Apostles fill the background and all looking upward towards the Holy Spirit. The miniature painting is framed within a gold bar surrounded by elaborate floral motif on gold ground. The painting opens Hours of the Holy Spirit – Hour of Matins.

Recto concludes The Hours of the Cross. The one-line illuminated “D” begins: “Deus…” (Incline unto my aid O God…).

The Two-line illuminated “D” begins: “Domine…” (O Lord Jesus Christ the son of the living God, set thy passion, cross and death between thy judgment and my soul now…).