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2-Sided French Gothic Illuminated Book of Hours Leaf
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Decorative Art:
Religious Artifacts:
Christian:
Pre 1492 item# 410117
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$265
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(& Gift Wrap if Desired)
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The Book of Hours was a personal prayer book used by the laity in the Late Middle Ages. Having evolved as a specific form by the end of the thirteenth century, by the fourteenth century it replaced the Psalter as the principal text for private devotion. Based on the 8 canonical hours or divine offices, it included sets of prayers and readings to be spoken at daily intervals. In those days,
it was quite a status symbol to be able to own (and read) one. The most splendid are richly decorated with miniature paintings, elaborate initials, borders and line fillers. Most, however, were much more modest. Even simpler ones were very costly, being completely hand-made.
This example, on vellum, is from The Office of Our Blessed Lady At Lauds - beginning with Psalms 149 and 150 and ending almost at the finish of the Song of Zachariah. A full translation will be provided to the purchaser. It begins on the grain (hair) side of the skin and continues on the smooth (flesh) side - which is prettier as the front display, being more ornate. Here there two large illuminated and gilded capitals and 13 smaller ones. The other side has one large and 16 smaller.
The London dealer from whom this piece was purchased identified it as French pre-1520. Probably it's from the 1400s, since the printing press came along in 1455 and soon ended the demand for scribal arts. The Gothic style of script seen here was used internationally from the mid-twelfth through the fifteenth century. Condition of this manuscript is lovely, the vellum still being very supple and with little discoloration (less than appears in the photo). Size is about 6 7/8 x 4 1/4 inches.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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