291

Book of Hours.

Illuminated Prayerbook Manuscript in Latin.

Use of Rome, mid- to late-15th century.
Octavo-format manuscript on parchment, 187 (likely of 192) leaves, consisting of 24 signatures mostly in 8's, lacking at least 11 leaves with three obvious missing leaves in the text and a missing quire, (most likely of 8 leaves); full collation below; illuminated with 12 full-page miniatures: I. St. John; II: the crucifixion; III: Pentecost; IV: the annunciation; V: the visitation; VI: the nativity; VII: annunciation to the shepherds; VIII: adoration of the magi; IX: presentation in the temple; X: massacre of the innocents; XI: Mary's presentation; and XII: the office for the dead; 12 calendar leaves present before first section conforming to the Use of Rome; without the popular Saint Bernardino of Siena in the calendar for May, who was canonized in 1450, possibly dating this book to before 1450; each quire with horizontal catchword on verso of last leaf; with later annotations to pastedown in French; bound in full 17th century French speckled calf with gilt fleur-de-lis designs in each spine compartment; binding worn; housed in later full leather case fitted with a tray and outer snap closures; including a small drawer holding a magnifying glass; the miniatures vividly painted in colors throughout with gold embellishments added on gesso bases; single column text in brown and black with additional small and medium-sized initials throughout, along with chapter heads and psalms marked in red ink; 4 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.

  • Condition: i12 [kalendar], ii6 [of 8 lacking ii1 & ii6 likely lacking a miniature], iii6, iv10, v8, vi9 [of 10 lacking vi9], vii8, viii8, ix8, x8, xi8, xii8, xiii6, xiv8, [likely lacking a quire, i.e., 8 leaves], xv8, xvi8, xvii8, xviii8, xix8, xx8, xxi8, xxi8, xxiii4, xxiv6.

    Please contact us to request a condition report:
    Devon Eastland, Senior Specialist: [email protected]
    Grace Meschery-McCormack, Cataloguer: [email protected]


    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

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October 23, 2025 10:30 AM EDT
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