“GLORY BE TO THE FATHER, AND TO THE SON: AND TO THE HOLY GHOST”: STRIKING ILLUMINATED LEAF FROM A 15TH-CENTURY FRENCH BOOK OF HOURS, RARE HAND-COLORED IMAGE OF THE CRUCIFIXION

(ILLUMINATED LEAF). Illuminated Leaf from a Book of Hours. Northwest France, circa 1450-75. Single vellum leaf (2-3/4 by 3-3/4 inches), illuminated in gold, blue, red, black, green, gray, yellow, brown, and white inks. Matted and window framed, entire piece measures 7-1/2 by 8-1/2 inches. $8800.

Exquisite illuminated miniature from a French Book of Hours, an exceptional, large, domed, hand-colored image depicting the Crucifixion, with the Latin text of the Ave Maria on the verso, most rare.

This beautiful illuminated miniature is from a French Book of Hours, circa 1450-75. The large, domed miniature fills the entire page and is bordered by a simple gilt rule. The miniature depicts the Crucifixion and features an unusual number of highly detailed onlookers (seven with visible faces, all unique), including Mary kneeling in prayer on the left. As often in Crucifixion miniatures, green hills rise behind in the background and the towers of Jerusalem are visible in the distance. The verso features 11 lines of Gothic script; two floriated two-line initials; three one-line initials; and three line extenders, all rendered in blue, red, white, and gold with elaborate filigree details. The text includes most of the Hail Mary. Text in Latin.

Leaf trimmed to dome shape, with slightly affected edges of letters on verso. About-fine condition.