Manuscript; Illuminated leaf from a medieval book of hours
Rare and original manuscript leaf on vellum (thin parchment) from a Dutch book of hours from c. - fully hand-written text in Gothic script, with classic initial and border decorations from that era - c. cm. Text in Dutch, contrary to the more common Latin. The famous Dutch religious scholar Gerard Groote - founder of the Brethren of the Common Life and key figure in the Devotio Moderna movement - was the great initiator of the translation of Latin texts into Middle Dutch. Condition: Very fine - Crisp and clean vellum - Considering the age of more than 535 years in perfect condition. This is an original 15th-century Dutch piece, double-sided and completely handwritten, not printed. Written in dark brown and red ink and with beautiful blue and red initials, and illuminated with one large blue and three large golden initials of which one on a background of brown and blue, with decorative and refined embellishments. Unique and rich piece from the Middle Ages, written in Middle Dutch. A masterpiece in any serious collection. Read More