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fonsiemealy.ie
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Fine 15th Century Illuminated Manuscript
Manuscript:
Hours of the Virgin,
Flanders or Southern Netherlands, c. 1440, on vellum throughout.
A delightful production of approx. 153 leaves (c. 300pp), c. 13cms x 9.5cms (5” x 3
¾
”), written in Latin and Dutch, in a clear Gothic batarde in
black ink, 16lines, versal initials in blue or red, numerous two-line initials in mauve or blue with white highlights on burnished gold grounds,
many single bar borders with spiky ivy leaves in burnished gold, one 7 line, two 6 line, & 8 five line initials of mauve or blue with white tracery
with leafy terminals, containing five swirling floral motifs on set on square burnished heavy gold grounds linked to full bar borders of thick
burnished gold and elaborate scrolling stems with pink and blue flowers and ivy leaves on hairline stems, a.e.g., some slight cropping at top
margins, occasional soiling, but generally very bright, in an early 18th Century full mor. binding profusely tooled with scrolls etc., and central
armorial panels.
The text comprises a calendar in Dutch, some parts of the Mass (Introibo ad altare dei..) usually associated with a missal, the Gospel readings,
the Hours of the Virgin, the seven penitential Psalms, the Litanies and additional prayers. [There may be other parts, Hours of the Cross, Office
of the Dead, etc. not checked.] As a m/ss, w.a.f.
* Bears the signature of a former owner, William Latton of Wadham College, Oxford. The Lattons had their seat at Kingston Bagpuize near
Abington. William was born c. 1653 and was admitted to Wadham in 1670, aged 17. He went on to a distinguished academic career in the
college, holding several important posts, including that of Librarian in 1682. He died unmarried in 1732.
€4000 - 6000
