"INCLINE UNTO MY AID O GOD": WONDERFUL LARGE ILLUMINATED LEAF FROM A 15TH-CENTURY FRENCH BOOK OF HOURS, FEATURING A BEAUTIFUL HAND-COLORED IMAGE OF THE ANNUNCIATION TO THE SHEPHERDS

(ILLUMINATED LEAF). Illuminated Leaf from a Book of Hours. Probably Paris, or Tours, second half of 15th century. Single vellum leaf (4-1/2 by 6-1/4 inches), illuminated in gold, black, white, purple, red, green, blue, yellow, and brown inks. Window matted with silk front and framed, entire piece measures 10 by 13 inches. $11,000.

Lovely illuminated leaf from a 15th-century French Book of Hours, featuring a striking miniature depicting the Annunciation to the Shepherds, four lines of text from the Hours of Terce, a three-line initial, and thick borders of flowers, berries, buds, and acanthus leaves.

This beautiful illuminated leaf is from a Book of Hours from Paris, or Tours, France, in the second half of the 15th century. It comprises a lovely miniature of the Annunciation to the Shepherds, four lines of Gothic text from the Hours of Terce, one three-line initial in red and blue filigree on a gilt ground, a similar one-line initial, and an elaborate border of sprigs, buds, flowers, and acanthus leaves. The miniature of the Annunciation of the Shepherds is animated and charming; the shepherds' clothes and the mise-en-scène with large figures in the foreground are reminiscent of the late 15th-century School of Tours, dominated by the figures of Jean Bourdichon and Jean Poyet. In the image, the shepherds tilt their heads back as far as they can to witness an angel above, bringing them news of the birth of Jesus. One shepherd attempts to shield his eyes, as if the brightness of the angel is as blinding as the sun. The verso features 17 lines of Gothic text, two two-line initials and four one-line initials in gilt on filigree grounds, two matching line extenders, and a left border of hairline sprays, leaves, and flowers.

Only mild marginal staining. Near-fine condition, beautifully framed.