Le manuscrit médiéval ~ The Medieval Manuscript

Late fifteenth century, comprising Calendar in French, including SS. Medart, Landelin, Vedast, Geri (Gaugeri), Bishop of Cambrai and Nicasie (14 December, in red), Prayers, including O intemerata, and Sequences of the Gospels and Hours of the Holy Ghost; Hours of the Cross. Hours of the Blessed Virgin Mary, penitential psalms and litany, hymns and prayers including the seven words from the Cross and les joyes nostre dame, suffrages of the saints, including Gaugeric, Office of the dead, five half-page miniatures depicting the Crucifixion, Pentecost, the Annunciation, David in Prayer and the raising of Lazarus, all beautifully executed and extended to full-page by ornate borders, illuminated initials and borders throughout with generous use of gold, 14.2 x 9.5cm, 158 leaves, eighteenth century red morocco gilt, covers with ornate gilt leaf and flower design, spines gilt in compartments, gilt dentelles, g.e., green morocco slipcase.


A very attractive late 15th century Book of Hours, Use of Cambrai in a fine eighteenth century binding. The manuscript was evidently written for a woman, the prayers O intemerata and Deprecor te domina both having the feminine form percatrici.



Provenance: Denys François du Rieu, 16 February 1686, purchase inscription on verso of final leaf.