HOURS OF THE VIRGIN (USE OF AUTUN) WITH CALENDAR, ILLUMINATE...

Hammer

£15,000

HOURS OF THE VIRGIN (USE OF AUTUN) WITH CALENDAR, ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPT ON VELLUM Burgandy, circa 1475, 147 11, 14 lines to a page, written in a large clear gothic hand, headings in red, calendar written in blue, red and black. Eight large miniatures in arched compartments, each page with a miniature surrounded by a full illuminated border with naturalistic flowers, fruit and foliage; three similar half-borders; many large and small initials in burnished gold on pink and blue grounds,190mm x 140mm

More Information

Provenance: On a fly-leaf at the end is a presentation inscription in French dated August 12th, 1744; the words “ex libris Willemin 1800” have been added to an escutcheon held by an angel at the foot of f.13, ; pencilled signature on first fly-leaf of Sir James Dalton Fitzgerald, 1862; bookplate of John Dalton. Acquired from Alan G. Thomas, a noted Bournemouth book dealer and friend of the Durrell family, 5th March 1963 and by descent to Kerrison Preston Esq.

Illumination:

(1) The Annunciation. In the border the Prophet Isaiah bearing a scroll

(2) The Visitation. St. Elizabeth wears a beautiful yellow robe embroidered in red.

(3) The Nativity.

(4) The Angel and the Shepherds.

(5) The Adoration of the Magi. The Three Kings are very individual figures, especially the youngest who, apart from his turban, is dressed as a young gallant of the 15th century, with particularly elegant high, yellow riding boots, and leans on a long cane with a degagé air.

(6) Pentecost.

(7) David in Prayer. Rocky landscape background.

(8) A Burial Service outside the door of a little church