"O, GOD, COME TO MY ASSISTANCE!": EXCEPTIONAL ILLUMINATED LEAF FROM AN EARLY 15TH-CENTURY FRENCH BOOK OF HOURS, FEATURING A BEAUTIFUL HAND-COLORED IMAGE OF THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE

(ILLUMINATED LEAF). Illuminated Leaf from a Book of Hours. Likely France, circa first half of 15th century. Single vellum leaf (5-1/4 by 8 inches), illuminated in gold, black, white, gray, red, pink, green, blue, and brown inks. Window matted with silk front and framed, entire piece measures 11 by 14 inches. $12,000.

Lovely illuminated miniature from a French Book of Hours, a beautiful hand-colored image depicting the Presentation in the Temple, with four lines of Latin text from the Hour of None in Gothic script, a three-line initial, a one-line initial, and a line extender, beautifully bordered with flowers, berries, and acanthus leaves.

This beautiful illuminated miniature is from a Book of Hours from the first half of the 15th-century, likely France. The Latin Gothic text is from the Hour of None and includes the first verse of Psalm 69. The miniature depicts the Presentation in the Temple. A swaddled Jesus is shown placed on an altar, radiating light, while the priest looks down at him. The Virgin Mary, often shown handing Jesus to the priest, is here shown kneeling in prayer in front of the altar, dressed in her iconic blue robe. Joseph is just behind her, as if to lend support. The architectural background includes arched ceilings, rich textiles, a marble altar, and a starry sky above. The scene is framed in a gilt arch. The border features flowers, berries, and acanthus leaves. The recto has four lines of Gothic text in script as well as a large three-line "D" in blue, white, and red filigree on a burnished gold ground. There is also a single-line "D" initial in gilt on a blue and white filigree ground. The verso features 11 lines of similar script, one two-line filigree initial on a burnished gilt ground, two one-line initials, and two line extenders in the same style.

Fine condition.