Book of Hours

Leaf, Horae Beatae Mariae Virginis (Book of Hours)
Benedictine?
French
1440-1460
4 7/8 x 6 7/8 inches
Graduate Theological Union Library Rare Book Collection

A particularly beautiful example of middle 14th century French illumination and decoration, exquisitely executed on uterine vellum. Manuscript on vellum, written in Latin by a French scribe in gothic characters in gold, red, blue and black. Embellished with borders of elaborate arabesques composed of interlaced foliage, flowers, strawberries (which is featured in other Benedictine manuscripts) and scrolls. The text is decorated with numerous small and large initials and paragraph spaces executed in gold and colors throughout.