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IM-10682: (172 x 125mm) Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 19 lines of red-ruled Latin text on animal vellum; line endings in red & blue, with burnished gold. One four-line and two two-line illuminated initials alternating in blue and pink with delicate white penwork and having an interior floral design resting on a liquid gold ground; four one-line illuminated initials and two illuminated line extenders  in liquid gold on alternating blue and red grounds. Elaborate panel border (recto) in acanthus & diverse floral motifs  (including a strawberry - symbol of perfect righteousness, and a columbine - symbol of the Holy Spirit) in red, blue, green, white & liquid gold.   France (Tours), c. 1490-1500.

The leaf contains an exceptional miniature painting in the style of  Jean Poyet� set within two architectural columns on which is written the beginning of the prayer ''Veni Sancte Spiritus reple tuorum corda'' (Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts).

The miniature is a beautiful painting of the Pentecost with Mary kneeling before a gilt-edged open book resting on a prie-dieu covered in a red cloth and the Apostles standing behind her - all with hands clasped in prayer.   A dove representing the Holy Spirit, descends through an open window and radiates the flames of inspiration, mixed with droplets of red representing Christ�s blood.  The inscription on the red and green canopy above Mary reads:   ''Veni Sancte Spiritus'' (Come Holy Spirit).   The text begins ''Domine...'' (Thou O Lord wilt open my lips. And my mouth shall declare thy praise...).