Large and magnificently illuminated leaf from a printed book of hours on vellum, with full-page miniature
Printed by Gilles Hardouyn, Paris, around 1515
Gothic type, written in Latin
The full-page contour woodcut shows 'Job and his False Comforters' and was made in the workshop of Jean Pichore – book painter, graphic artist and publisher in Paris between 1501 and 1520
The painting of the contour woodcut was magnificently executed and is colored in gold and other tints
26 smaller initials in gold and other colors
Rear with broad figurative metal cut border
Dimensions of leaf: 23 x 15 cm, text area: 18.5 x 10.5 cm
Masterly made leaf in good condition
Provenance: Collection, Münster

This large and magnificently illuminated leaf from a printed book of hours shows a full-page contour woodcut with the scene of 'Job and his False Comforters' on one side, it was superbly colored in the workshop of Jean Pichore. The other side is adorned by a broad figurative metal cut border.

This vellum leaf is a prime document from the transitional phase between manuscript making and the beginning of book printing. Text and book decorations were made in style of a manuscript, the miniatures and the initials were hand-painted in classic style. Even though the Parisian masters showed a certain openness towards the new medium print, they were nit able to defend their supremacy in Europe. Editions grew fast in the early days of book printing and soon it was impossible to execute book illustrations solely by hand.

Condition

The leaf is in good condition. The miniature is in excellent condition. Somewhat cropped close at the top of the border. Lower margin somewhat finger-stained and with parchment split that was sewn in former times. Miniature just slightly rubbed in upper part. Dimensions of leaf: 23 x 15 cm, text area: 18.5 x 10.5 cm.

Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.