75 85 (ILLUMINATED LEAF). Illuminated Miniature featuring the Presentation in the Temple. France, late 15th century. One vellum leaf, measuring 4-1/2 by 6-1/2 inches; silk matted and window framed, entre piece measures 10-1/2 by 12-1/2 inches. $10,500 Lovely Illuminated Miniature From A 15th Century Book Of Hours Depicting Christ Being Presented In The Temple A lovely miniature from a 15th-century Book of Hours that features an image of Christ being presented in the Temple, handsomely framed. This leaf features an image of the infant Christ being presented in the Temple by the Virgin Mary and Joseph to complete the rituals of purification and redemption of the first-born son. The priest Simeon holds out a white cloth to the receive the infant, with a female attendant holding a candle for the procession of lights which follows the ceremony. The Virgin, dressed in somber gray and covered by her customary blue cloak, holds her son while kneeling before Simeon at the altar. Though the interior and furniture here are quite simple in form, featuring straight lines and solid blocks of color, extra attention has been given to the patterns and textures seen on the figures and their garments, such as the gilt medallions on Mary’s robs, the dots on Simeon’s miter, and wispy hairs on the heads and beards of Simeon and Joseph. The text is from the hour of None. Beneath the image are four lines of text with one illuminated fourline initial “D” on a field of gold and one one-line initial. Enclosed within an arch, the image is bordered on three sides by blue and gold acanthus leaves, red flowers and green leaves, and sprays of gold bezants. The verso contains twelve lines of gothic script. Fine condition, beautifully framed.
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