Illuminated Manuscript Leaf: The Entombment, Miniature from a Book of Hours
EXTRAORDINARY ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPT LEAF FEATURING A MINIATURE OF THE ENTOMBMENT BY A FOLLOWER OF JEAN BOURDICHON AND JEAN POYER. C.1500.
A stunning leaf from a Book of Hours by an illuminator working in Tours, France, c.1500, in the style of master illuminators Jean Poyer (fl. 1483-1503) and Jean Bourdichon (c.1459-1521) of the celebrated “School of Tours”.
The Entombment, shown in a periscopic view, features figures rendered with a remarkable level of detail and superb artistic quality. The scene is shown at night, with a dark background providing a striking contrast highlighting the colorful fabrics and gold highlights of the subjects. The magnificent border features instruments of the Passion – cross, crown of thorns, dice, etc. – painted in gold on a rich burgundy background.
The text is that of the opening compline of the Long Hours of the Cross (Hours of the Passion). Introduced with a highly decorated “C”, it begins with “Converte nos deus salutaris noster…” on the recto, continuing with 21 lines of text on the verso.
Tours, France. 174 x 110mm. Housed in glass case and slipcase. In outstanding condition with only a small smudge to right side of recto border ands remnant of mount to verso margin.
A LEAF OF EXTREMELY HIGH QUALITY, WITH COLORS REMARKABLY BRIGHT.
Price: $18,000 .