Catalog Archive
Auction 97, Lot 561

"[Illuminated Leaf]", Hardouin, Gilles

Subject: Early Printing

Period: 1526 (circa)

Publication: Horae B.V.M. Secundumusum Romanvorn

Color: Hand Color

Size:
4.5 x 6.9 inches
11.4 x 17.5 cm
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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.

Beautiful and unusual leaf containing part of the calendar of September and October. The vellum sheet is printed on both sides with Gothic textura type. The calendar is surrounded by elaborate scenes which are fully colored, iron engravings. Scenes include Herod's daughter holding the head of John the Baptist on her sword, several drolleries, and dragons. The text includes large illuminated initials for the beginning of October.

References:

Condition: A

Some green smudges in margins, which could be covered by matting.

Estimate: $150 - $200

Sold for: $100

Closed on 12/5/2001

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