IM-13520:  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. 

There are two two-line illuminated initials in burnished gold on a red and blue 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.

This leaf continues the section of Suffrages - prayers to saints who were considered the protectors, helpers and guardians of medieval people. The two-line illuminated “I”  and "D" begin prayers to Saints Cosmos and Damian (martyred twin brothers and physicians). 

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 excellent antiquarian condition as seen in the photos. -  It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.