AN ILLUMINATED VELLUM MANUSCRIPT LEAF WITH A STRIKING MIN...

TEXT FROM THE OPENING OF COMPLINE.

      Paris, ca. 1460 120 x 85 mm. (4 3/4 x 3 1/2""). Single column three lines of text on verso 13 lineson recto in a fine regular gothic book hand. Attractively matted. Rubrics in red recto with one two-line and two one-line initials as well as four line fillers all in colors and burnished gold the same side with a swirling quarter panel border featuring flowers leaves strawberries and many burnished gold ivy leaves on hairline stems the verso with a large three-line C in blue and white with enclosed scrolling flowered stems the whole on a burnished gold ground; the verso WITH A FULL INHABITED BORDER featuring much acanthus and other vegetation and fruit as well as a green bird fluttering its wings and a charming pink snail the border FRAMING A RICHLY DETAILED AND VERY IMPRESSIVE ARCH-TOPPED ILLUMINATED MINIATURE OF THE CORONATION OF THE VIRGIN (measuring approximately 65 x 42 mm.) the scene showing the Virgin in blue kneeling before an elaborate gold throne on which sits God the Father clad in pink majestically bearded and crowned holding an orb and blessing the Virgin over whose head a yellow-winged angel suspends a golden crown while in the background a cluster of fiery seraphim peek over the throne. Trivial losses of white paint in the angel's clothing and God's crown otherwise in remarkably fine condition both the miniature and border clean fresh and bright. As is typical of the 15th century the Virgin is no longer shown as the proud queen of heaven but on her knees head bowed and eyes modestly cast down as she receives the crown from above. The artist has deftly managed to portray the beauty and mildness of her face while depicting God with sunken cheeks and a solemn expression. Blue clouds support the Virgin as she kneels and the celestial setting of the scene is reinforced by the seraphim glowing like hot coals behind the throne. In an inventive departure here God the Father sits far to one side of his throne leaving a large empty space for Mary to occupy once she has risen to join him. $7500