Illuminated Manuscript Book of Hours Leaf, France, c. 1500

Miniature of the Pentecost 

IM-13193:  Original leaf from a French medieval illuminated manuscript Book of Hours. 13 lines of hand-ruled text written in Latin with dark brown ink in fine lettre bâtarde script on animal vellum with rubrics in red. Two two-line,  four one-line illuminated initials, and one line extender in burnished gold on a red and blue ground. The text and miniature painting, recto, are surrounded by an intricate floral border (including strawberries – symbol of perfect righteousness) in red, blue, and green on a liquid gold ground. Verso ¼ panel border in colorful floral motif on liquid gold ground.                                                                                                                  

Origin:  Paris, France circa 1500.

Size:  110 x 75mm – 4.25 x 2.9 inches, from a diminutive manuscript likely written for a lady.    

The miniature painting depicts The Pentecost. Mary kneels with the apostles kneeling behind her, all with hands clasped as they gaze up at the Holy Spirit in the form of a white dove.  Golden flames and rays emanate from the Holy Spirit filling the room. The room’s paneled wall can be seen through the flames.

The two-line illuminated “D” opens the Hour of the Holy Spirit – Hour of Matins: “Domine labia…” (Thou O Lord wilt open my lips…).  

The two-line illuminated “N” begins the prayer:  “Nobis sancti spiritus…”  (The grace of the Holy Ghost free unto us befall: Wherewith was overshadowed the maid of maidens all. When the angel Gabriel his salutation said, The Word itself flesh became and virgin fruitful made.…).

Provenance:   ex-collection of Brooklyn Museum of Art, acquired in 1919.  Deaccessioned and sold to support the museum collection.  

This Book of Hours leaf was scribed circa 1500. This is a beautiful and highly ornamental original, more than 500 years old, not a reproduction. It is in nice antiquarian condition as seen in the photos.   It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Books of Hours are personal prayer books of a devout and status-conscious society and are not only works of art, but cultural documents of their time. They reveal a unique combination of sacred and secular imagery - made of the finest materials, by the best craftsmen, for a small audience that could both appreciate and afford them. 


We have been full-time dealers in Illuminated Manuscripts, Maps, Prints and Antiquities since 1980.