Item Details

ESPECIALLY PRETTY ILLUMINATED VELLUM MANUSCRIPT LEAVES FROM A BOOK OF HOURS IN LATIN.

(Paris, ca. 1460). 121 x 89 mm (4 3/4 x 3 1/2"). Single column, 15 lines of text in a fine, regular gothic book hand.

Rubrics in red, all leaves with multiple one-line initials as well as at least one line filler, all in blue, maroon, and burnished gold, many leaves with one or more two-line initials in the same colors and gold but also enclosing charming flowers on scrolling stems, a number of these two-line initials with marginal extension in the form of gilt ivy leaves on sinuous stems, and EACH LEAF WITH A FINE SWIRLING QUARTER PANEL BORDER ON EACH SIDE featuring flowers, leaves, strawberries, and many burnished gold ivy leaves on hairline stems (the leaves from the Litany with many one-line initials and line fillers). In EXCEPTIONALLY FINE CONDITION with the paint and gold bright, fresh, and entirely intact.

These are lovely little leaves from a large fragment of a Book of Hours that obviously was produced by skilled craftsmen in a Parisian studio around the middle of the 15th century for a client of considerable means. This group represents the most attractive combination of decoration, condition, and value in illuminated leaves that we have had in stock for quite a long time. (ST11459-34-149)