Photo Credit: Antik-Bendt
Medieval French Illuminated Manuscript Leaf, Circa 1300 AD
Buy It Now Price: $399 (price as of 2016; item no longer available)
Pros:
-This is a charming medieval illuminated manuscript leaf created in Northern France around 1300 AD. It was originally part of a Breviary – a prayer book used by monks to direct their daily worship.
-It measures 5.43 inches (13.8 cm) tall by 3.98 inches (10.1 cm) wide and is made from parchment, or dried animal skin.
-The dark brown text, interspersed with red text, is written in Latin, the lingua franca of medieval Europe. Medieval Latin was the spoken and written language of Europe’s elites during the period. Nobles, clergy, lawyers, architects and other intellectuals all communicated via Latin in medieval times.
-Four initials on each side of the page are richly illuminated in blue, red and gold. They also employ an illumination technique called “fleuronne” which is French for “floral”. This decoration consists of stylized plants, flowers or vines emanating from the illuminated initials. The subtle use of vine-themed fleuronne is particularly exquisite on this French illuminated manuscript.
-This piece is in good condition, with only a little light foxing (brown age spots) and a few pinholes. Medieval illuminated documents are often found in much worse shape.
-This medieval French illuminated manuscript leaf is over 700 years old! Most illuminated leaves on the market are much later, from the 15th or early 16th centuries. It is unusual to find a fine, early specimen, especially at the low price of only $399.
Cons:
-Although the text initials are superbly decorated, the illuminated leaf lacks any illustrations. Illustrations are the most desirable kind of decoration possible in a medieval illuminated manuscript. However, if the leaf did contain illustrations, the price would probably be an order of magnitude higher.
-This leaf, at less than 6 inches by 4 inches, is small by modern standards. However, this was a rather standard book size during the medieval period. Nevertheless, a larger illuminated manuscript leaf is more desirable than a smaller one, and there are larger examples out there.
