Thirteenth to Fifteenth Century Illuminated Book of Hours Leaf Book.
$7,500.00
In Stock
Item Number: RRB-150731
+$500
Exceptionally Rare Thirteenth to Fifteenth Century Illuminated Book of Hours Leaf Book
Exceptionally rare illuminated Book of Hours leaf book, containing various illuminated leaves from several Books of Hours, most executed in France. Duodecimo, bound in full late 19th century velvet, script on vellum, illuminated. Comprised of 30 individual leaves ruled in black and red ink and culled from 5 Books of Hours, including one prayer book circa 17th century or later and one early manuscript. Several leaves containing miniatures, including 3 full-page (two repaired in old facsimile), various 2-and 4-line initials heightened in gilt and in various colors, and several initials illuminated with humanistic images. Most leaves written in gothic hands with one illuminated miniature believed to be of 14th century French origin, depicting a dragon in flight, a full-page scene of the Virgin with Child seated upon a throne, as well as a partially restored, in old facsimile, full page scene of an angel visiting Jesus Christ. The early manuscript leaf is in 52 lines, double-columned with one 8-line initial and one 6-line initial. Most leaves are window-mounted with others bound-in. In very good condition. A beautiful example.
A collection of prayers to be recited at canonical hours, the book of hours became popular in the Middle Ages, with illumination and decoration restricted to decorated capital letters at the start of prayers and psalms in most examples. Books created for wealthier patrons, however, were often decorated with lavish full-page miniature scenes depicting the eight Hours of the Virgin and the Labours of the Months and signs of the zodiac. In the 14th century the book of hours overtook the psalter as the most common vehicle for lavish illumination. This partly reflected the increasing dominance of illumination both commissioned and executed by laymen rather than monastic clergy. It was at this time that a number of bibliophilic royal figures began to collect luxury illuminated manuscripts for their decorations, a fashion that spread across Europe from the Valois courts of France and the Burgundy, as well as Prague under Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and later Wenceslaus.
Thirteenth to Fifteenth Century Illuminated Book of Hours Leaf Book.
$7,500.00
In Stock
