Europe, probably France or the Low Countries, ca. 1400 to 1500 CE. A collection of three exquisitely illuminated pages from a Books of Hours. Two of the pages are still bound together. On those two pages, the Latin text is embellished with headings and paragraph marks in rich, colorful red and blue. The other page features a large printed uncial in the center of the page with an initial bordering that column of text. Size of each page: 4" W x 5.75" H (10.2 cm x 14.6 cm)

On the single page, colorful, gilded designs of vines bearing strawberries (vines often signify a French maker) surround the column. 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. They were prized objects, often given as gifts at important occasions. The Book of Hours is 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 Penitential 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. An unquestionably precious ensemble of illuminated manuscript pages replete with artistry, refined technique, and iconography apropos to this intensely religious period.

Provenance: Ex-private East Coast USA collection

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#119150

These three pages were cut from two different Books of Hours. Two small stain areas on one page, although neither prevents it from being read; edges have slight wear/damage both along cut line (from binding) and along outside edge (from touch).