STRIKING ILLUMINATED LEAF FROM A NORTHERN ITALIAN CHOIR BOOK, CIRCA 1475-1500, FEATURING A VERY LARGE AND BEAUTIFUL FILIGREE INITIAL

(ILLUMINATED LEAF). Illuminated leaf from a choir book. Northern Italy, likely Ferrara, circa 1475-1500. Folio leaf, measuring approximately 14-1/2 inches by 17 inches; matted and framed in black and gilt wood frame; entire piece measures 22 inches by 26 inches. $7000.

Superb illuminated leaf, featuring a beautifully illuminated initial ‘V’ decorated with plump acanthus and a palette of blue, mauve, red and green, as well as music notation and Latin script in black and red.

From Videntes Joseph, the third reading for Sunday in Lent from Genesis 37. The reading focuses on Joseph, hated by his brothers for being a dreamer. Ironically, the destructive envy of Joseph's brothers—which leads them to throw Joseph into a dry well and sell him into slavery—ultimately sets in motion a course of events that allows Joseph to fulfill his much-scorned dreams in Egypt. Videntes Joseph, then, is an illustration of God's plan for human lives.

Fine condition, beautifully matted and framed.