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.

Unusual vellum leaf printed in Gothic textura type with illuminated capitals and line fillers in red, blue and burnished gold leaf. The text is in Latin and is surrounded by elaborate iron engravings that include plants, animals, birds, and several biblical scenes. Printed vellum Book of Hours leaves are very scarce, as they were only produced between 1496 and 1530. The text translates in part as:

"I thank you, almighty and eternal God, who has deigned to keep me safe this night, not because of my merits but because of your holy mercy. Grant me, Lord, to spend this day in your holy service in such a way that it pleases you to observe my service."

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Condition: B+

Light soiling and minor toning.