Catalog Archive
Auction 118, Lot 929

"[Illuminated Leaf]", Hardouin, Gilles

Subject: Early Printing

Period: 1526 (published)

Publication: Horae V.V.M. Secundumusum Romanvorn

Color: Hand Color

Size:
4.5 x 7 inches
11.4 x 17.8 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

This leaf is from the brief transitional period when the new technology of printing with movable type was combined with the more labor intensive methods of hand painting. The earliest printers were trained in the manuscript tradition and incorporated the conventions of historiated initials and illustrations into their early work. At first they left those spaces blank for the illuminator to complete entirely by hand. Later they developed printing methods (using woodcuts or iron engravings) to decorate the leaves.

Both sides are printed in Gothic textura type with numerous illuminated capitals in red, blue and gold. The text lists the various saints, surrounded by elaborate, iron engraved scenes. Among these is a spectacular engraving of Judith with the head of Holofernes speared on her sword, as well as St. Peter removing some hideous creature held on a rope. Printed vellum Book of Hours leaves are very scarce, as they were only produced between 1496 and 1530.

References:

Condition: A

Light offsetting of color, still very nice.

Estimate: $150 - $200

Sold for: $150

Closed on 3/6/2007

Archived