Photo Credit: leaves-of-old
Lovely Medieval Illuminated Manuscript Book of Hours Leaf Circa 1420 – Gold, Prayers
Buy It Now Price: $789.99 (price as of 2016; item no longer available)
Pros:
-This is a marvelous medieval illuminated manuscript leaf from a book of hours created in Paris circa 1420 to 1440. Paris was an important center for illuminated manuscript production late in the medieval period.
-This leaf is made from parchment which is processed animal hide that is surprisingly durable. It measures 197 millimeters (7.76 inches) tall by 120 millimeters (4.72 inches) wide. This specimen is in excellent condition, despite being almost 600 years old.
-This is a beautiful, relatively affordable, high-quality example of medieval European art. There are certainly cheaper medieval illuminated manuscript leaves out there, but they will be less intricately decorated and lack the same “Wow!” factor that clearly sets this example apart. All in all, I would judge the $790 asking price for this piece to be easily justified.
-This particular leaf came from a Book of Hours – the personal prayer book of a wealthy and devout man (or woman). It has 15 lines of Latin text on the front and 10 lines on the reverse rendered in dark brown ink. Medieval Latin was the common European language of the Catholic Church, intellectuals and writers during this period.
-The illumination on this leaf is exceptional, displaying vibrant red, blue, green and gold decoration. The illuminated initials – “D” on the obverse and “F” on the reverse – are particularly ornate and richly adorned. The panel border is a lavish rinceau (sinuous floral) pattern that is heavily illuminated with burnished gold.
-The front of this leaf reads as follows (translated from Latin): “O God the giver of pardon, and the lover of human salvation, we beseech thy clemency: that thou grant the brethren of our congregation, kinsfolk, and benefactors, which are departed out of this world, blessed Mary ever virgin making intercession with all the saints, to come to the fellowship of eternal blessedness.”
-The back of this leaf reads as follows (translated from Latin): “O God the creator, and redeemer of all the faithful, give unto the souls of thy servants’ men, and women remission of all their sins: that through Godly supplications they may obtain the pardon which they have always wished for. Who livest and reignest. Through Christ our Lord, Amen”
Cons:
– This illuminated manuscript leaf does not have any illustrations. Illustrated pages are more desirable than pages that are merely decorated. Of course, a finely illustrated page from a medieval illuminated manuscript is also substantially more expensive, with good examples rarely available for less than a few thousand dollars.
-This is a late medieval work. Early medieval illuminated manuscripts are less common and consequently bring somewhat higher prices, all else being equal.
