Lot 114C
Northern Europe, probably France, ca. 15th century CE. A special collection of seven exquisite pages from an illuminated Book of Hours manuscript - the text hand-written by a scribe in black, blue, and red on vellum with enlarged, illuminated initial capitals featuring additional gold leaf and stunning striated gold, blue, and black borders that are punctuated with polychrome floral and foliage motifs. Judging from their similar stylistic approach of each page, these leaves appear to be from the same book. While it is common practice to separate old books into individual pages for sale, how fortunate are we to have this ensemble grouped together. Like many illuminated manuscripts, each page serves as a breathtaking work of art with a finely balanced layout, enriching use of color, masterful decoration, and painstakingly delineated calligraphic script. These pages come from a Book of Hours, a Christian devotional book that usually included a calendar of church celebrations/feasts, excerpts from the four gospels of Mark, Luke, Mathew, and John, the fifteen Psalms of Degrees, the Little Office of the Virgin Mary, the seven Penitintial Psalms, an Office for the Dead, a Litany of Saints, and the Hours of the Cross. The word "manuscript" literally means "written by hand" and comes from the Latin words manus (hand) and scriptus (writing). These books were the creations of several skilled individuals who devoted many hours to their respective tasks. First, the vellum or parchment was created by one person. Then the text was handwritten by a scribe who meticulously wrote every word in ink with a quill pen. Finally, an illuminator (from the Latin illuminaire meaning "lighted up") decorated these books with gold leaf and brilliant color. Such books were made by urban booksellers called libraire during this the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and were created in literary centers such as Paris, Bruges, Ghent, or Valenciennes. The production of illuminated manuscripts continued in earnest until the mass production of books was made possible by Johannes Gutenberg's invention of moveable type and the printing press. Books like these were prized objects, often given as gifts to commemorate important occasions. An unquestionably precious ensemble of illuminated manuscript pages replete with artistry, refined technique, and iconography apropos to this intensely religious period. Size of each page: 4" W x 5.7" H (10.2 cm x 14.5 cm)
Provenance: Ex - A. Ravsen collection
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#113300
- Condition: All are in fine shape, with slight wear to edges, all highly readable with bright artwork.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
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| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |