TEXT FROM VESPERS FROM THE OFFICE OF THE DEAD.

(VELLUM PRINTING, 16TH CENTURY). LEAF FROM A BOOK OF HOURS PRINTED ON VELLUM.

(Paris: Gilles Hardouyn (?), ca. 1520). 177 x 110 mm. (7 x 4 1/4"). Single column, 33 lines in an attractive gothic type.

With hand-illuminated initials, and a FULL-PAGE MINIATURE DEPICTING THE RAISING OF LAZARUS, ILLUMINATED IN COLORS AND GOLD BY A CONTEMPORARY HAND. See Hilary Maddocks, "A Book of Hours by Anthoine Vérard," University of Melbourne Collections, issue 16 (2015), pp. 19-20. One quarter-inch repair to the center of the leaf (which on the recto slightly affects Lazarus' neck, and on the verso affects three letters, which have been neatly touched up), a handful of small chips to the paint, the architectural border somewhat rubbed in the lower right corner, mild soiling to the margins; not without flaws, but a richly and carefully colored leaf that is still pleasing.

Richly painted and amply highlighted with brushed gold, this leaf from a printed Book of Hours includes a large miniature depicting the raising of Lazarus. Christ stands, arm extended in benediction, over the newly reawakened Lazarus, who gazes up at him, standing upright in his grave. A crowd looks on, with a well-dressed man crouched in front of the grave, apparently having helped Lazarus to stand. Our illuminator has enhanced the drama of the moment, with the rosy cheeks of the bystanders emphasizing Lazarus' deathly pallor, and with Jesus' shimmering robe distinguishing him from the crowd. The faces and folds of cloth are delicately shaded, and the minutely detailed lines of gold carefully applied, stylistically tying this printed leaf to the fully hand-painted Books of Hours that printed versions were slowly replacing during the early years of the 16th century. The composition seems to come from a suite of illustrations designed by illuminator Jean Pichore (fl. 1490-1521), done for the printer Gilles (also Gillet) Hardouyn. (ST12778-0887c)

Price: $1,100.00