IM-13313: Original continuous bifolium leaves (two leaves – four pages) 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. Written in Latin with rubrics in French.  Two two-line illuminated initials and two one-line illuminated initials in burnished gold on red and blue ground.    

Origin:  Paris, France circa 1500. 

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

This is the center pair of leaves from a quire, thus the text is continuous and can be read starting from the recto of the first leaf to the verso, then to the recto of the second leaf and finally to its verso. Scarce: can only happen on the center bifolium. The two joined leaves impart the feeling and appearance of an open medieval book !   

These leaves continue the section of prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The  two-line illuminated “A” (page three) begins: “Ave omnipotentis patris…” (Hail Mary, daughter of the almighty Father, full of grace, the Lord is with thee…). 

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

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