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IM-4396: (244 x 175 mm) Original leaf from an important printed Book of Hours – in an unusual quarto size. Ruled Latin text with side panels in French. Printed in black, on animal vellum. Space was left for illumination of initials, but they were never executed!  Printed by Thielman Kerver. Paris, c. 1515.

Noted for its DECORATIVE BORDERS - the paneled surround (verso) begins the story of the Triumphs of Caesar and includes a view of the Roman Coliseum. The internal panels (verso) depict God the Father & God the Son.

The full page illustration (recto) depicts the Holy Trinity surrounded by Apostles, Prophets, Kings, Clergy, etc all in praise.

The fourth line (verso) begins “Omnipotens…” (Almighty and everlasting God, who hast given unto us Thy servants, by the profession of the true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and, in the power of Thy divine Majesty, to worship the Unity; we beseech Thee, that by our steadfastness in this same faith, we may evermore be defended from all adversities…).

Thielman Kerver (active 1497-1522) was one of the most famous early Parisian printers and type engravers. He worked [and probably lived] “in vico sancti Iacobi/ad signum Vnicornis/ & ibidem venales habent” (in saint Jacob's lane/in the sign of the Unicorn/where they are also for sale.).