Illuminated Manuscript Leaf from the Hours of the Virgin (Vespers) Flanders (Ghent-Bruges region), ca. 1475-1500 Illuminated Manuscripts

Illuminated manuscript on vellum. Leaf size: 180 x 130 mm, 19 lines of Gothic textura script in Latin, ruled in red, written in brown ink with red rubrics. One large illuminated initial and a full border of gold, blue, and pink acanthus foliage with bezants and floral tendrils. A beautifully preserved illuminated leaf from a late 15th century Book of Hours, opening the Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Vespers. "Incipit officium beate Marie virginis quod dicitur per totum annum ad vespers." Executed in a clear and elegant Gothic textura hand, the text alternates blue and gold initials with fine penwork. The opening "D" is richly illuminated in burnished gold, blue, and rose, enclosing a scrolling foliate design on a ground of alternating colors. Surrounding the text is a full border of exuberant acanthus leaves and tendrils, delicately painted in blue, pink, green and gold, enlivened with red and blue blossoms and numerous gold bezants. This lavish yet intimate illumination reflects the style of the Ghent-Bruges school, whose workshops in the final decades of the 15th century produced some of the most refined devotional manuscripts of the period. This page demonstrates the characteristic naturalism and luminosity that made Flemish illumination highly sought after across Europe. Vellum is clean and supple, with only very light toning to outer margin, Gold leaf and pigments remain fresh and vibrant, with virtually no flaking or rubbing. Evidence of binding at the inner margin; no losses. Overall, near fine, an exceptionally bright and well-preserved example. Unmatted and unframed