The Crucifixion [Rouen, ca. 1470 - 1480]

The Crucifixion, from Book of Hours (15 Joys of the Virgin Mary), one leaf, probably Rouen, c.1470-1480, 4.75 x 6.5 inches (12.1 x 16.5 cm.), ink, paint and burnished gold on vellum, 4-lines of text in Latin beneath, illumination of the Crucifixion, inhabited initial and floral border with floral motifs on recto, 15 lines of text with 2 inhabited initials on verso. A few minor abrasions (mostly to margins), window-mounted, framed and glazed, sheet to view. 

The dramatic miniature painting depicts Christ on the Cross topped by a narrow plaque inscribed “INRI”. Blood spurts from a wound in Christ’s side. Turreted buildings of a town and castles and hills are evident in background. The Virgin Mary in blue stands his right and Saint John in pink to his left, above the Latin text "Domine labia mea aperies et os meum adnuntiabit" ("O Lord, open thou my lips and make it known").  The text is a portion of a line from Psalm 50, also known as a psalm of Asaph, which reads in full as "Domine, labia mea aperies, et os meum annuntiabit laudem tuam," ("O Lord, open thou my lips and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.")  A viewing window on frame verso leaves visible the other side of the page, which includes a lengthier text in Latin, with two illuminated initials.  Recto painting slightly visible through verso. (20174)

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Philosophy & Religions

Art

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$4,500.00

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