"SWEET LADY OF MERCY, MOTHER OF PITY, FOUNTAIN OF ALL GOOD, WHO CARRIED JESUS CHRIST…"

(BOOK OF HOURS). Illuminated leaf from a Book of Hours. Northern France, circa 1475. One leaf, measuring 4-1/2 by 6 inches, scribed and illuminated on both verso and recto; handsomely window matted and framed, entire piece measures 10-1/2 by 12-1/2 inches. $16,500.

Beautiful illuminated leaf from a Book of Hours depicting the Virgin and Child with angelic musicians in attendance, set within an arched frame surrounded by a beautiful floriated border.

This miniature depicting the Virgin and Child opens a prayer known as the "Joys of the Virgin," celebrating the most joyous moments in the Virgin's life. (Although it varies, the usual number of Joys is seven: The Annunciation, The Nativity, The Adoration of the Magi, The Resurrection, The Ascension, Pentecost and The Coronation of the Virgin in Heaven.) Joining in the celebration here are two golden-winged seraphs playing a lute and a flute, with the Christ Child completely absorbed in the music and the Virgin serenely attentive to her son. The artistry and attention to detail in this miniature is particularly striking, with, for instance, the highlights in the angels' wings being particularly delicate.

This attractive miniature was likely executed in the workshop of the so-called Maître François, who ran an atelier in Paris during the years between 1460 and 1480, producing illuminated small and large, sacred and secular. Characteristic of the Master's style are richly colored scenes, interiors depicted with considerable detail, women and children with pale, porcelain complexions in contrast with the darker, weathered flesh tones on the male figures. The image is set in an arched frame surrounded by an elaborate border of acanthus leaves, flowers, and gold bezants on hairline sprays, with four lines of text including an elaborate three-line illuminated initial. The verso contains 11 lines of text with one blue, red and gold extender.

A beautiful leaf, handsomely window framed.