IM-9806: (170 x 118 mm). Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 12 lines, ruled in red and written in Latin with dark brown ink on animal vellum. One three-line initial illuminated in pink with an internal floral design in pink, blue, green orange and white on a burnished gold ground; one two-line and four one-line illuminated initials in burnished gold on blue and red ground. Panel border decoration of rinceaux with a floral motif in red, green, blue and burnished gold. France (Amiens?), c. 1420.
MINIATURE PAINTING OF THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE: Mary hands the Christ Child to Simeon, the High Priest. Behind her stands a female handmaiden carrying an offering basket of turtle doves. An exceptionally fine example of early International Gothic style - the figures and faces are very well rendered and the use of diagonal placement of the altar and the barrel-vaulted spaces lend perspective and motion to the scene.
This impressive painting opens the Hours of the Virgin, Hour of None. The large illuminated "D" begins: "Deus..." (Incline unto my aid O God...). |