Medieval Book of Hours Leaf

This is an original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 14 lines of text, written in Latin and French, on animal vellum. Ruled in red with dark brown ink, in fine gothic textura script, with rubrics (headings) in red. Two two-line initials and two one-line initials in gold on red and blue ground delicate white tracery. Panel border of vines with berries in gold, blue and red. This Rinceaux border is a fine example from the workshop of the Boucicaut Master. The French rubrics announce the beginning of prayers commemorating St. John the Baptist, Sts. Peter & Paul, and St. Laurence.Books of Hours are personal prayer-brooks of a devout and status-conscious society are not only works of art, but a 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 which could both appreciate and afford them.

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