c. 1420-30 MEDIEVAL BOOK OF HOURS LEAF, FRANCE, ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPT

Description

Illuminated Manuscript Book of Hours Leaf, France (probably Paris), c. 1420-40
From the Period of Joan of Arc
IM-13127:
Original leaf from a medieval manuscript
Book of Hours.
15 lines of red-ruled, Latin text, written with dark brown ink in gothic book-hand script on animal vellum.
Size: 200 x 145mm – 7 7/8 x 5.75 inches.
Two two-line illuminated initials in burnished gold
on blue and pink ground extending into the margin;
nine one-line illuminated initials
in deep blue with delicate red penwork.
France (probably Paris),
c
. 1420-40.
This leaf was written and illuminated about 600 years ago in France
at a
pivotal point in the
Hundred Year’s War
- England defeated France decisively in Agincourt in 1415 and took Paris in 1420.
Not until Joan of Arc’s heroism (1428-29) could France regain hope of restoring its capital.
The book from which this came was likely in daily use at that time.
The
two-line illuminated “A” begins Ecclesiasticus (King James Sirach) 24:14
: “
Ab initio
…” (From the beginning, and before the world, was I created, and unto the world to come I shall not cease to be, and in the holy dwelling place I have ministered before him).
The
next two-line illuminated “A” begins the popular medieval prayer:
Ave Maris Stella
(
Hail, O Star of the ocean, God's own Mother blest, ever sinless Virgin, gate of heavenly rest. Taking that sweet Ave, which from Gabriel came, peace confirm within us, changing Eve's name. Break the sinners' fetters, make our blindness day, Chase all evils from us, for all blessings pray. Show thyself a Mother, may the Word divine born for us thine Infant hear our prayers through thine. Virgin all excelling, mildest of the mild, free from guilt preserve us meek and undefiled. Keep our life all spotless, make our way secure till we find in Jesus, joy for evermore…).
This is a beautiful and highly ornamental original,
about 600
years old
, not a reproduction. It is nice condition as shown in the photos with
attractive
colors and gold. There is some rippling to the vellum and faint vestiges of previous mounting
It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
.
Books of Hours
are personal prayer books of a devout and status-conscious society and are not only works of art, but cultural documents of their time. They reveal a unique combination of sacred and secular imagery - made of the finest materials, by the best craftsmen, for a small audience that could both appreciate and afford them.
We have been full-time dealers in Illuminated Manuscripts, Maps, Prints and Antiquities since 1980.