Antiques for Sale > Books, Manuscripts & Autographs

IM-4203: (160x115 mm) Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 23 lines of red-ruled Latin text on animal vellum; letter batarde script, with rubrics in red; line endings in red & blue, with liquid gold infill. One three-line initial and two two-line initials in blue & white on liquid gold ground with floral infill; Elaborate panel border (recto) in acanthus & diverse floral motifs in colors & liquid gold. (See Walters W.224 for similar).

The leaf contains an exceptional miniature painting in the style of the Playfair Hours, surrounded by an elaborate border, similar to the panel border verso, but on a liquid gold ground and containing strawberries, symbol of perfect righteousness. France, Rouen (Use of Rouen): c. 1480-90.

The painting depicts Madonna and Child enthroned. Mary holds the Christ Child, both enthroned against a green & pink textile covering with gold highlights. ''Ave Gratiae'' is across the pink cover top, written in gold. Kneeling in reverent adoration is the female manuscript owner. The three-line ''M'' begins Missus est Gabriel (Luke 1:26-28, Gabriel's Annunciation to the Virgin). The two-line ''F'' begins Fidelium Deus (O God, Creator & Redeemer of all the faithful, give to the souls of thy servants departed remission of all their sins...).