"O, GOD, COME TO MY ASSISTANCE!": EXCEPTIONAL ILLUMINATED LEAF FROM A LATE 15TH-CENTURY FRENCH BOOK OF HOURS, FEATURING A BEAUTIFUL HAND-COLORED IMAGE OF THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE

(ILLUMINATED LEAF). Illuminated Leaf from a Book of Hours. Likely France, circa 1470. Single vellum leaf (4 by 5-1/2 inches), illuminated in gold, black, white, gray, red, pink, green, blue, and brown inks; matted and window framed, entire piece measures 10 by 13 inches. $8900.

Lovely illuminated miniature from a French Book of Hours, a beautiful hand-colored image depicting the Presentation in the Temple, with four lines of Latin text from the Hour of None in Gothic script, a three-line initial, a one-line initial, and a line extender, beautifully bordered with flowers, berries, and acanthus leaves.

This beautiful illuminated miniature is from a Book of Hours from the late 15th-century, likely France. The Latin Gothic text is from the Hour of None and includes the first verse of Psalm 69. The miniature depicts the Presentation in the Temple. A swaddled Jesus is shown placed on an altar, radiating light, while the priest, dressed in gold, looks down at him. The Virgin Mary, usually shown handing Jesus to the priest, is here shown kneeling in prayer in front of the altar, dressed in her iconic blue robe. Joseph is just behind her, reaching toward her, as if to lend support. The architectural background includes a tiled floor, rich textiles, and European-style doors. The scene is elaborately framed in a dramatic gold arch with a center detail integrating with the scene. The border is rendered against a partially gilt ground and features flowers, berries, and acanthus leaves. The recto has four lines of Gothic text in script as well as a large three-line "D" in blue, white, and red filigree on a burnished gold ground. There is also a single-line "D" initial in gilt on a blue, red, and white filigree ground. The verso features 12 lines of similar script, one two-line filigree initial on a burnished gilt ground, and two line extenders in the same style.

Fine condition. Framed with acrylic, shatter resistant, 99% UV protective artificial glass.