153 résultats
1902ST20771New Rochelle: Printed by the University Press for George D. Sproul 1902. No. 23 OF 30 COPIES 18 for America 12 for Europe; this copy illuminated for Herman A. Metz of the "St. Dunstan Edition" all of them PRINTED ON VELLUM. 270 x 210 mm. 10 5/8 x 8 3/8". 50 leaves last blank. <br/> SUMPTUOUS COBALT BLUE MOROCCO GILT AND INLAID TO AN ARABESQUE DESIGN BY TRAUTZ-BAUZONNET stamp-signed on front doublure covers framed in gilt and inlaid brown morocco blossoms central panel of azure blue morocco outlined in brown morocco large central medallion enclosed in brown morocco and inlaid with an eight-pointed inlaid and gilt fleuron each corner with tan and ivory morocco medallion with gilt "T" at center outlined in brown morocco the spaces between the medallions with curling gilt flourishes raised bands spine compartments with gilt lettering framed by sprays of gilt berries SKY BLUE MOROCCO DOUBLURES inlaid with darker blue squares containing an ivory morocco polygon these forming a frame around a central taupe morocco panel with inlaid blue morocco flowers at corners vellum free endleaves painted with a simple blue frame small flowers at each corner all edges gilt. BEAUTIFULLY ILLUMINATED BY ROSS TURNER the title page and final page with heraldic emblems and WITH 51 LOVELY INITIALS in a range of hues 22 with delicate extensions. Printed entirely in majuscules on rectos only. A couple of small faint water spots to upper board with slight dulling where someone tried to fix these naturally occurring variations in the grain and color of the vellum otherwise A FINE COPY--the vellum creamy and smooth the colors and gilt bright and the binding lustrous.<br/> <br/> A bookmaking tour-de-force this item is part of the remarkable St. Dunstan series of famous works of literature produced at the turn of the century in very strictly limited and particularly luxurious editions by publisher George Sproul. Named for the English bishop Dunstan 909-88 who was known for his skills as an illuminator the St. Dunstan volumes were printed on vellum illuminated by different artists and then put into bindings of striking design executed by Trautz-Bauzonnet one of the premier French binders of the period. While the physical properties of this volume announce themselves more emphatically than the text the narrative here is from Tennyson's "Idylls of the King" a work Day tells us in which the legend of King Arthur is used "to establish the Victorian virtues of marital faithfulness fair play gentlemanly conduct and useful action for self and society." "Guinevere" sets forth the consequences of marital infidelity presenting a penitent queen now withdrawn to a convent groveling for Arthur to pardon her affair with Lancelot. Although the injured king grants her forgiveness he does so with little grace appearing to modern readers as "insufferably self-righteous." Day Reminiscent of the designs used in 15th century illuminated books the painted initials in our volume are well executed and attractive combining fluid shapes and consonant combinations of colors and the binding is a singularly elaborate achievement. German-born binder Georges Trautz 1807-79 apprenticed in Heidelberg Stuttgart and Witemberg before arriving in Paris in 1803. There he trained in “dorure†with the skilled gilder Debès learning to create intricate gilt designs on bindings. In 1833 he was hired as a doreur by Bauzonnet the successor to the celebrated Purgold and soon achieved acclaim for his beautifully gilded bindings. According to Michon he was "the uncontested master of the luxury binding" in 19th century France celebrated for his "sumptuous moroccos" and "dazzling gilt." His bindings were so sought after that the term "Trautzolâtrie" was coined to describe the craze for his work. In 1869 he became the first bookbinder to be named a chevalier of the Legion of Honor. The culmination and termination of the St. Dunstan books was a planned edition of 15 sets of the complete works of Dickens projected to contain 130 large folio volumes—surely the most ambitious undertaking in the history of modern American fine printing. Five volumes only comprising most of "Pickwick" were produced before the grandeur of the project overwhelmed its sponsors. Potter says that in addition to the Dickens edition the St. Dunstan series comprised a dozen volumes of the works of various authors one of them the present Tennyson issued to subscribers at the spectacular amount of $12000 per set. One of the subscribers was our original owner New York chemical manufacturer and U.S. Congressman Herman A. Metz 1867-1934. Not surprisingly this strictly limited "Guinevere" is quite rare: We could trace just two copies at auction since 1975 one of them ours sold in 1998.  . [Printed by the University Press for] George D. Sproul unknown
1909ST16339Paris: Bouasse-Lebel et Marrin ca. 1909. 188 x 140 mm. 7 3/8 x 5 1/2". 72 pp.; 1 leaf miniature; XXXII pp. <br/> Tasteful contemporary olive green crushed morocco each cover WITH A CENTRAL RECESSED PANEL OF MODELLED AND PAINTED LEATHER that on the upper cover with a portrait of the Virgin Mary within an arched frame of acanthus leaves that on the lower cover with the coat of arms of the Deburghgraeve family. With text and decorations lithographed featuring decorative borders and initials throughout those on 55 pages COLORED AND ILLUMINATED BY HAND many of these in a Medieval or Renaissance style others with Japanese or Greek motifs with a small hand-painted miniature of the Crucifixion against a golden sky and WITH A FULL-PAGE HAND-PAINTED MINIATURE showing the Flight into Egypt within a decorative border featuring vignettes of a peasant gathering wood and a knight in armor praying. With a hand-painted ribbon bookmark "Souvenir de ma 1ère Communion" dated 6 June 1909; carbon copy of a poem "A la Memoire de ma tres chere et regrettee cousine Mathilde Deburghgraeve-Canal" by Lucy Salze-Bouchet dated February 1945 this with short curving tear into one margin. Just the most trivial signs of wear but A VERY FINE COPY the vellum leaves quite clean and very bright with shining decorations and the binding lustrous and virtually unworn.<br/> <br/> Luxuriously lithographed on vellum handsomely bound and illuminated and painted by hand in vibrant colors this charming prayer book was obviously treasured by its owners--the first of whom may have been a young lady who received it on the occasion of her First Communion. The text and decorations here have been reproduced lithographically from a manuscript of the period being printed apparently by Bouasse-Lebel et Massin--a company specializing in devotional prints and books. The firm's name appears in very small letters at various places in the volume. Each leaf contains a different border design inspired by Medieval and Renaissance manuscripts as well as artwork from around the world in a pleasing pastiche of Western Egyptian Japanese Indian and Grecian motifs. Many of the borders have been hand-colored and present an array of distinct palettes usually richly hued which adds greatly to the book's appeal and the viewer's sense of discovery from page to page. The bespoke binding featuring the Madonna in profile beautifully modelled in leather adds another element of luxury to the book. The coat of arms suggests that it was made for a member of the Deburghgraeve family and the laid-in poem suggests that it remained with them through the death of the family's matriarch Mathilde Deburghgraeve-Canal in 1944. We know that Mathilde had three daughters all born around the turn of the century; based on the presence of a bookmark commemorating a First Communion in 1909 it is likely that the original recipient was among these three young ladies. Bouasse-Lebel was established in 1845 by Eulalie Bouasse-Lebel 1809-98 as a means of supporting herself and her children following the dissolution of her marriage. Though founded under difficult circumstances Bouasse-Lebel became a very successful enterprise and even earned a papal commendation in 1871 for consistently excellent work. The company was highly regarded for the quality and delicacy of their productions of which the present work is a choice example. Although individual religious cards printed by Bouasse-Lebel show up fairly frequently far scarcer are complete books in the estimable condition seen here--particularly those with the kind of deluxe upgrades that make this particular item so desirable. Bouasse-Lebel et Marrin unknown
1882ST12705Paris: A. Quantin 1882. UNIQUE COPY ON VELLUM printed for M. A. Werlé. 206 x 140 mm. 8 1/8 x 5 1/2". xxxii 247 pp. 1 leaf colophon.With a bio-bibliographical notice by Fernand Drujon. <br/> Pleasing burgundy Jansenist crushed morocco by Canape et Corriez stamp-signed in gilt on front turn-in dated 1930 on rear turn-in raised bands turn-ins richly gilt marbled endpapers all edges gilt on the rough. Decorative head- and tail-pieces throughout and eight engraved plates comprised of a frontispiece portrait in four states one on vellum three on paper and an allegorical vignette also in four states. Verso of front free endpaper with ex-libris of Jean Furstenberg. ◆Two small dark spots to upper cover a couple of leaves with naturally occurring minor discoloration to vellum but A FINE COPY--especially clean fresh and bright internally and in a lustrous unworn binding.<br/> <br/> Given its illustrious provenance and its singular status as the only copy printed on vellum this is a quintessentially bibliophilic copy of the poems of French cleric and diplomat Cardinal François-Joachim de Pierre de Bernis 1715-94. Admired as a witty epigrammist at the court of Louis XV where Madame de Pompadour presided Bernis composed poems on such conventional themes as love and the natural world but also verses contemplating manners and mores fashion independence and love of country. Since none of his poems was published before his death he was not widely known as a poet during his lifetime but in another sphere he performed important service to his country as France's ambassador to Rome. He provided shelter and succour there for refugees from the French Revolution earning the papal epithet "Protector of the Church of France." The present work was printed for Count Alfred Werlé whose father had inherited the Veuve Clicquot Champagne house from the Widow Clicquot. Alfred took over the operation in 1884 and greatly expanded the Veuve Clicquot-Ponsardin vineyards. The volume subsequently passed into the library of the great collector Jean or Hans Furstenberg 1890-1982 who put together one of the finest collections of 18th century books ever assembled. In 1974 the Furstenberg collection was sold en bloc to Dr. Otto Schäfer whose marvelous library had already become distinguished for its fine and historic bindings. A. Quantin unknown
1805ST21016London: Printed by T. Bensley 1805. APPARENTLY THE ONLY COPY PRINTED ON VELLUM. 260 x 152 mm. 10 x 1/4 x 6". 2 p.l. 146 pp. 1 leaf notes. Translated by Maria Henrietta Montolieu. <br/> Very pleasing contemporary straight-grain scarlet morocco gilt by Charles Hering binder's ticket on verso of front flyleaf covers bordered with a wide frame of multiple patterned rolls with rosette cornerpieces enclosing a delicate frame of a dotted roll cornered small floral tools raised bands spine gilt in compartments wide turn-ins sumptuously gilt cream silk endleaves with gilt borders and fleuron cornerpieces all edges gilt. WITH EIGHT ENGRAVINGS BY FRANCESCO BARTOLOZZI IN TWO STATES one on gold silk and the second on paper. EXTRA-ILLUSTRATED with two engravings depicting Princess Izabela Czartoryska and her daughter Zofia. A Large Paper Copy. Henrey 624. See also Clemens Alexander Wimmer "The Princess and the Poles" Historic Gardens Review no. 10 2002: 14-17. Spine slightly darkened joints and edges with minor barely noticeable wear vellum a bit and naturally rumpled and consequently the book yawning a bit a handful of light spots but still an extremely appealing copy with fine impressions of the plates vast margins and a special story to tell.<br/> <br/> Printed on vellum richly bound and illustrated with attractive plates on silk this is an extraordinarily luxurious copy of Delille's famous poem on gardens that almost certainly belonged to a noblewoman whose gardens are mentioned in the text. First published in 1780 our poem condemns formal gardens and broad promenades in favor of a gardening art which hides its artistry by reproducing the asymmetrical groupings of nature and careless bounty of the countryside. This view accords with the translation of Virgil's "Georgics" done by Delille 1738-1813 in 1769 a version that brought him great acclaim for its supple and sonorous versification. In fact it so pleased the Count of Artois the future Charles X that he named Delille abbot of Saint-Séverin; however revolution disrupted things and the poet for a time led a wandering life in Switzerland Germany and England where this updated and expanded version of "Gardens" was published in 1801. The present special edition includes the plates which had appeared as head- and tailpieces in the first edition but now used as stand-alone plates in two states. These were executed by Bartolozzi after originals by Portuguese neoclassical painter Francisco Vieira. In addition to the called-for suite of illustrations our copy includes two inserted plates portraits of Princess Izabela Czartoryska 1745-1835 and her daughter Zofia. Czartoryska was a major figure in the Polish Enlightenment as a writer and patron of the arts as well as an advocate for improving the lives of the poor. She is best remembered for the sprawling gardens at her palace in Pu awy which included a formal garden a "wild promenade" or landscape park and multiple structures including the neoclassical Temple of the Sibyl which became one of Poland's first museums. She made the acquaintance of the author while travelling through Paris in 1791 and the two struck up a friendship. She financially backed the second edition of the work in exchange for a mention of her gardens which duly appears in heightened verse on pp. 11-13: "Favoured Pulhavi! You from Heaven obtain / Each separate charm Earth's choicest scenes contain; / Bright glow thy features fresh from Nature's hand / Excite our wonder and our praise command." The presence of this poetic tribute--and especially the inserted plates showing the princess and her daughter-- clearly suggest that the our apparently unique luxury edition must have been a presentation copy to Czartoryska herself. The present copy is as striking outside as it is inside. Charles Hering was the most distinguished and influential English binder of the first decade of the 19th century and although his career was brief from about 1795-1812 Ramsden focuses on his work as representing the transition in binding styles from those of the German émigrés of the late 18th century to the new generation of binders headed by Charles Lewis. Dibdin states that until "the star of Charles Lewis rose above the bibliopegistic horizon no one could presume to 'measure business' with Hering. There was a strength squareness and a good style of work about his volumes which rendered him deservedly a great favourite." We have been unable to trace any other copies of the present edition on vellum. Printed by T. Bensley unknown
1939ST20331London: Beaconsfield Press 1939. No. 72 OF 125 COPIES SIGNED BY THE ARTIST AND THE EDITOR for sale in the British Empire. 292 x 248 mm. 11 1/2 x 9 3/4". xxvi pp. 46 leaves all leaves French fold. Edited by Cecil Roth. <br/> Elegant original blue crushed morocco by Sangorski & Sutcliffe signed on front turn-in covers with gilt French fillet border and large intricate central figure designed by Szyk of a patriarch holding a goblet and book raised bands spine gilt in double ruled compartments with ornate crown centerpiece gilt titling turn-ins with double gilt-ruled and scalloped border surrounding an illustrated silk doublure featuring a Szyk portrait of Moses with the Ten Commandments done in shades of gray within a frame of elaborate design. In an excellent velvet-lined box of blue half morocco over lighter blue cloth upper cover with central lion's head in gilt on blue morocco spine like that of the book. WITH 14 FULL-PAGE AND 32 SMALLER COLOR REPRODUCTIONS OF DESIGNS BY SZYK. English translation printed in black commentary printed in red. Front flyleaf inscribed in ink: "To Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Brachman / very cordially / Arthur Szyk / New York. April 1945." Very faint naturally occurring variations in the grain of the vellum otherwise a pristine copy.<br/> <br/> With an important Holocaust-related authorial inscription this is a very fine copy of what the London Times described as "a book worthy to be placed among the most beautiful of books that the hand of man has produced." Arthur Szyk 1894-1951 a Polish Jew is considered by scholars to be the greatest 20th century illuminator. Using the style of the Medieval illuminated manuscript artists he has here created a Haggadah for Passover that is at once a beautiful book of devotion a political protest against the rise of Nazism and a plea for England's help for the Jews of Europe. By 1939 Szyk's anti-Nazi cartoons had caused Hitler to put a price on his head forcing him to flee to England. His original illustrations for his "Haggadah" featuring the villains of the Exodus with the heads of Hitler Goebbels and other leading Nazis had to be toned down before publication. All 46 pages of the Hebrew text are illustrated with scenes from the Passover story as well as vignettes of Jewish life in modern Europe—sometimes Szyk mixes the two to great effect. Perhaps the most moving illustration in the book is the elaborately illustrated dedication to King George VI of England appealing for his mercy to European Jews. The great symbols of the British Empire—the lion and unicorn St. George defeating the dragon—surround Szyk's plea to the king: "At the feet of your most gracious majesty I humbly lay these works of my hands shewing forth the affliction of my people Israel." In the lower right corner of the painting we see Jewish refugees beside one of the ships which were usually turned away from British shores while Szyk depicts himself leaning against the painting his brush and easel in hand. The text here is enriched by the historical introduction and the commentary contributed by Cecil Roth 1899-1970 the preeminent British expert on Jewish history. This crowning achievement of Szyk's life was four years in the making and has proved to be an enduring treasure. Szyk presented this copy to Texas oilfield supply magnate Solomon "Sol" Brachman 1896-1974 and his wife Etta. The son of a Latvian Jew Brachman was the founding president of the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth in 1936 and helped arrange an emergency $100000 bank loan for Israel on the eve of statehood in 1948. His wife who served as president of the National Council of Jewish Women was known as "the mother of Hadassah." Szyk's 1945 inscription was no doubt especially meaningful to this devout family whose Latvian relatives were among the 90 percent of that country's Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Beaconsfield Press unknown
1882ST16453Glasgow: Printed by Robert Anderson for Private Circulation 1882. ONE OF ONLY 50 COPIES. 195 x 122 mm. 7 3/4 x 4 7/8". 1 p.l. x 103 1 pp.From George Bannatyne's manuscript compiled A.D. 1568. <br/> BEAUTIFUL CITRON CRUSHED MOROCCO ELABORATELY TOOLED IN GILT BY RAMAGE stamp-signed on front turn-in covers with six concentric frames--intricate filigree roll pointillé-tooled floral vine and alternating small ornaments--enclosing a central panel with cornerpieces semé with rows of fleurs-de-lys large oval medallion at center radiating ornate fleurons raised bands spine compartments with large central medallion containing a vase of flowers delicate tooling in corners gilt titling turn-ins framed by filigree roll and alternating small ornaments brown and tan silk jacquard endleaves patterned in a Medieval motif top edge gilt. Printer's device on title page decorative woodcut initials and headpieces. Spines evenly sunned to a warm honey brown corners lightly rubbed short faint scratch to lower board but the binding virtually unworn and happily free of the splaying that plagues vellum books. Leaves lightly rumpled but A VERY FINE COPY the vellum leaves creamy clean and bright and the binding glittering with gold.<br/> <br/> Printed on luxurious vellum and limited to just 50 copies presumably for private circulation among friends of the printer this is a lovely edition of 16th century poems by a mysterious author believed to have been a poet and musician associated with the court of Mary Queen of Scots. This work contains all 36 extant poems attributed to Scott ca. 1520-82/3 including what is considered to be his most historically important work "Ane New Yeir Gift to Quene Mary" 1562 written in support of the young Scottish queen caught between Catholic and Protestant agendas. His other poems consist largely of lyric verses on love and sexuality which DNB describes as possessing "exceptional metrical variety and vernacular directness" with "a musician's ear for rhythm and melody." Scott's poems are known to us via the Bannatyne manuscript now held in the National Library of Scotland which ranks among the most important documents of Scottish Medieval literature. Written by George Bannatyne in 1568 during a period of confinement due to an outbreak of plague it contains a mixture of both secular and religious material including the sole extant copies of several texts. In the preface to the present work the publisher notes that Scott's poetry has been faithfully reproduced from that manuscript and thus "for the first time accurately printed." Very little is known regarding the life of Alexander Scott but he seems to have been attached to the court of Mary Stuart through John Erskine a guardian and counselor to the queen. Given the very limited number of copies made it is not surprising that this work is extremely rare on the market. Printed [by Robert Anderson] for Private Circulation unknown
1862ST20857London: Edmund Evans for Sampson Low Son and Co 1862. ONE OF PERHAPS 10 COPIES PRINTED ON VELLUM. 260 x 195 mm. 10 1/4 x 7 3/4". vii 1 235 1 pp. <br/> Publisher's stiff vellum smooth spine with gilt lettering edges untrimmed. In a modern felt-lined blue buckram drop-back box. Decorative initials in red or blue title page and text leaves with full criblé border of vined foliation occasionally inhabited eight or 10 leaves with more extensive illustrations at head or foot all engraved by W. J. Linton after illustrations by John Franklin. Front pastedown with ex-libris of Marion Hope Rattey. A Large Paper Copy. McLean "Victorian Book Design" p. 184. Short thin cracks to head and tail of front joint spine vaguely soiled upper cover with two very small brown spots and one trivial red mark occasional mild rumpling or naturally occurring variations in the grain or thickness of the vellum as usual a couple of minor smudges but still a very agreeable copy the binding solid and without the splaying common in vellum books the interior clean fresh and bright and the margins extraordinarily wide.<br/> <br/> This is an infrequently encountered copy of a beautiful Victorian book on vellum issued by one of the era's top printers. The volume was printed by Edmund Evans 1826-1905 who is now best remembered for his illustrations and advances in color wood engravings. Relatively little is known about this book's production: Ruari McLean tells us that it was "entirely printed" by Evans but it is unknown whether he was responsible for the design as well McLean remarks that "if Evans was responsible for its design it shows his superiority in book-making". We also are unsure how many copies were printed on vellum although the general consensus is 10. Regardless as McLean tells us "it is one of the prettiest books of the 'sixties" with sharp deep impressions of the type on the rich creamy vellum jewel-like colored initials and elegant wood-engraved illustrations. These illustrations are the work of John Franklin ca.1800-68 a painter and draftsman who was highly respected in his own time. The precisely realized borders feature idealized human forms posed within a robust botanical largely acanthus context the figures posing with balletic grace their expressive faces often turned gently away from the reader. The size of the leaf here is significant: the untrimmed edges retain their tiny printing pinholes which would normally have been trimmed away with regrettable loss. And not surprisingly our vellum printing is almost never seen: we could trace just two copies at auction since 1924. Former owner Marion Hope Rattey 1922-97 was likely the daughter of bibliographer Clifford C. Rattey 1886-1970 whose impressive library featured incunabula and block prints. [Edmund Evans for] Sampson Low, Son, and Co unknown
46663Kent 1663 . Large 17th century velum document with two horizontal folds and 5 vertical folds plus 3 of the original wax seals. 55cm length x 64cm width. Vellum lightly soiled and worn along the creases. Document begins with a large initial "C". English text in a contemporary hand rubbed in places. The document states that Henry Hills and Edward Gray are at Cliffords Inn London. Also that Harry Welles and Ralph Blundell are from East Greenwich Kent. Also that Ralph Blundell is a Chandler. Notes to verso of the document include an amendment in Latin dated 1664 and signed by "John Walker". Also another note in English signed by Robert Cheke; "Gills Master"; and "Thomas Bosboke Jn." Family history records show a Ralph Blundell was a churchwarden of East Greenwich in 1679. Kent, 1663 . hardcover
45375Kingston upon Hull: 24th December 1667 . Folded vellum ducument. 26" x 22". Between: John Legard Kingston upon Hull; George Newman Kingston upon Hull; & Christoper Bacon. With 3 old wax seals chipped and rubbed to base. Kingston upon Hull: 24th December, 1667 . hardcover
453861695. Small rubbed vellum document. 7.25" x 8.25". 25 lines of neat text rubbed on one side .Names identified include John Gladman and John Swichatt of Watford. On the verso is a further 7 lines of text dated 1695 and signed: "Samuell Anderson". 1695 hardcover
50799Polstead: 10th January 1783 . Large folded vellum document between William Beale Brand of Polstead and Reverend Thomas Cooke Of Semer. Yellowed and lightly soiled. 60cm x 90cm. All handwritten text clearly legible. . Family history records show that : "Anna Mirabella Henrietta baptized at St. James' Bury on Aug. 15 1738 was married in 1761 to William Beale Brand of Polstead in Suffolk. William Brand died in 1799 and his widow in Feb. 18 14. There was no family and after Mrs. Brand's death Polstead passed to Thomas William Cooke grandson of Thomas Cooke rector of Semer who had married William Brand's sister. Elizabeth Holworthy: baptised September 18 1753 Elsworth. Married Rev.Thomas Cooke of Elsworth clerk on May 13 1777 Elsworth. Thomas was from the small village of Semer in Suffolk where his family were the owners of the manor House and a great part of the estate in the parish.Elizabeth bore Thomas at least two children- Thomas Cooke who became the rector of Bildeston in Suffolk was born in Elsworth Cambridgeshire in 1778. He was schooled at Eton for eight years and then attended Cambridge University 1796-1798. He became Lord of the Manor at Bildeston in 1814 when he inherited the estate from his great-uncle William B. Brand Esq. He married Mary Ann Mathews daughter of Richard Mathews of Wargrave Berkshire on September 7 1803 and died without issue on July 27 1825 at Bentworth. Polstead: 10th January 1783 . hardcover
49914Clare Suffolk: 20th July 1729 . 1729 vellum Indenture. 37cm x 67cm. 2 horizontal folds and3 vertical folds. Clear English hand writing. An agreement for Samuel Ralling of Clare Suffolk occupation: Tanner to rent/lease a yard from William Wiseman of Stradishall Suffolk. Vellum with wax Seal27" x 15" Clare, Suffolk: 20th July 1729 . hardcover
45393Will dated 2nd May 1793 . Large folded sheet of vellum. 23" x 26". Clean English text throughout. Last Will And Testament William Haylock the Elder of Ashdon Essex. Born 30th September 1697 - Died 30th December 1793. William Haylock was a carpenter and had built a windmill. The will was proved on 20th September 1794 and the receipt and seal are also attached. Will dated 2nd May 1793 . hardcover
47160Bibury Gloucestshire: 1723 . Original vellum folded and creased document with blue seals. 28.5cm x 32cm. The document begins. "Know all men by these present that I Katherine Sackvlle of Bibury in the County of Gloucester have given and granted and do hereby give and grant unto William Easter of Arlington in the County of Gloucester Shoemaker leave and. to grant bargainand fill onto Richard Hall of Northlath in the County of Gloucester the Cottage and that part of the garden which was given and bequeathed by William Cooke Susannaht he wife of the said William Easter. Dated 1723. In the presence of Thomas Williams and Henry Boulton and the wax seal of Katherine Sackville. "Elizabeth Sackville was born in 1689 in Bibury Gloucestershire the daughter of Hester and Henry. She married Edmund Warneford on 18 July 1713 in London. They had one child during their marriage. She died on 17 May 1756 at the age of 67 and was buried in her hometown." - See Family History Records Bibury, Gloucestshire: 1723 . hardcover
47162Leicester: 1750. Original Vellum Document. Landscape format. 26cm x 32cm. Note to verso: "Probate of the Will of John Bray late of Bitteswell." Document reads: "in The Name of God Amen. John Bray of Bitteswell in the County of Leicester Yeoman being of Sound and perfect mind. I bequeath all goods. to my wife Sarah Bray and my son Thomas Bray. To my sisters Sarah Bray of Lutterworth and Ruth Wood the wife of Thomas Wood of Bitteswell the sum of �5.00. Attested by John Fosell Richard Smith William Wood. G Leicester: 1750. hardcover
49887Long Melford Sudbury Suffolk: Hannah Stewart 26th February 1839 . Large vellum document. Two vertical folds and three horizontal folds. 18" x 18". Plus probate certificate and paper/wax seal. VG. Long Melford, Sudbury, Suffolk: Hannah Stewart, 26th February 1839 . hardcover
49886Great Waldingfield Sudbury Suffolk: Reverend Francis Cresswell 22nd December 1841 Probate. 22" x 27". 2 vellum sheets written on one side. Two vertical folds and three horizontal folds. Plus the probate certificate is attached including the paper/wax seal. Family history records show Francis Cresswell was born in 1762. He married Jane Okes on October 12 1807 in Cambridge Cambridgeshire England. He died on November 17 1841 in Suffolk England having lived a long life of 79 years and was buried in Great Waldingfield Suffolk. "1807 - Francis Cresswell S.T.B. Clare College Cambridge; B.A. 1785; M.A. 1788; B.D. 1796; Fellow and Tutor; was instituted March 24 1807 enjoying the benefice thirty-five years.He died Nov. 17. and was burried here November 24 1841 aged 78 years. There is a tablet in the church. In the churchyard West of the church is a stone with the initials: "F.C." 1841 J.C. 1870. The Parish register gives Francis Cresswell buried 24 Nov. 1841 aged 78. Jane Cresswell of Melford late of Great Waldingfield buried Feb 5 1870 aged 91." - See Rectors of Great Waldingfield By Rev. Francis Haslewood . Great Waldingfield, Sudbury, Suffolk: Reverend Francis Cresswell 22nd December 1841 (Probate) hardcover
1928120551928. Original illuminated large manuscript page on vellum comprising a central panel of calligraphic text in red and black ink with a miniature of a young herald surrounded by a decorative border of larger armorial shields set within a stylised foliate background in blue red green and gilt with a fine miniature of a knight’s tournament at the foot. 41 x 25.5cm. Mounted on card with ink title to the head: “Illuminated page on vellum. / Testimony of study for Board of Education Exam in industrial design 1928.†In very good condition.WITH: Two further pencil drawings by the same artist the first of an elderly gentleman the second of a classical sculpture measuring 57.5 x 38cm and 56 x 39cm respectively each signed “Bate†and dated 1927. The pencil drawings have a few short tears to the edges otherwise they are in very good condition. A fine example of 1920s illumination hardcover
ABAA25-1<p>Northern France probably Paris 1230-1250.</p><p>12mo 140 x 93 mm of 1 658 ll.: 1-1524 1620 17-2224 2310 24-2524 2617 without the bl. l. xviii 2726 2828 295 without the bl. l. vi. <strong>Thus complete</strong>.</p><p>Double column of 47 lines written in brown ink in a very fine Gothic writing.</p><p>Justification: 92 x 60 mm.</p><p><strong>78 historiated initials</strong>. Quires numbered in Roman numerals at the foot of the back of the last ll. and signatures at the bottom corner of the text on each recto of the first half of a quire headings in red initials in red letters of running titles and chapters numbers alternately in red or blue initials of chapters on 2 lines alternately in red or blue with a decor of the opposite color initials of 5 to 7 lines at the beginning of the prologues of the same type but with decoration in two colors opening the prologues 78 historiated initials most decorated with foliage and dragons the extension of 29 of them forming borders decorating the margin painted in blue pink orange-red and yellow a few wormholes in the first l. a few running titles cropped last l. restored in the outer margin.</p><p>Stiff vellum gilt Greek roll-stamp around the covers flat spine decorated green morocco lettering piece gilt edges from the 19th century.</p><p>Superb Capetian manuscript from the School of Paris complete and of perfect freshness handwritten on vellum skin and illuminated with exquisite finesse between 1230 and 1250.</p><p><u>Text</u>: List of Books of the Bible: recto and verso of the first endpaper; the Vulgate with the preamble: ll. 1-599v; Interpretation of the Hebrew names: ll. 600-658.</p><p>Superb example of the small vulgate bibles produced in Paris in the 13th century.</p><p>It was in the 13th century in Paris that the masters of theology of the University established what was to become the standard form of the Latin Bible: the selection of the books their order and their division into chapters established by Stéphane Laugton still universally employed the insertion of the forewords of St Jerome and the interpretation of the Hebrew names.</p><p>All these characteristics are present in this very elegant Bible on very thin vellum skin.</p><p><u>Illuminations</u>: A masterpiece from Pierre de Bar's workshop active in Paris between 1230 and 1250 distinguishes itself by the particularly colored and bright shades of its illuminations; the usual whites pinks and blues are enriched with red orange and even more surprisingly by large areas of yellow.</p><p>This Bible contains 78 illuminations of great beauty and of amazing freshness.</p><p>The repertoire of decorative details is peculiar compared to other French illuminations of the time and the foliage contains small clover leaves.</p><p>Branner attributed the illustration of the manuscript to the Parisian workshop that illustrated the most outstanding illuminated manuscripts of the first half of the 13th century Bar's workshop with reference to Cardinal Pierre de Bar 1252 who gave to the Abbey of Clairvaux a Bible in four volumes issued from this workshop and preserved today under the reference Troyes Bibliothèque municipale ms. 106 108 110 and 111.</p><p>This manuscript can be dated from 1230-1250. Remarkable for its large and well-formed heads; the bodies are robust and covered with clothes with deep and dark folds R. Branner <em>Manuscript Painting in Paris during the Reign of Saint Louis</em> 1977 pp. 70-71. He dates the activity of Pierre de Bar's workshop between 1230-1250 and explains its specificities by suggesting the development of its style outside Paris.</p><p>The decoration of the manuscript consists of 78 historiated illuminated initials and a great number of capital letters rubricated in red or blue.</p><p>This very attractive bible seems to have been made in Paris; it represents an interesting addition to the production of a workshop producing according to Branner some of the most beautiful and refined Parisian illuminations of the first half of the 13th century.</p><p>We witness from the years 1220-1230 under the reign of Queen Blanche of Castile a concentration of illuminators in Paris at the expense of abbeys and provincial capitular schools. We can indeed attribute several manuscripts to Blanche of Castile who inaugurated the tradition of female patronage in the royal family. But the peak of these famous small Capetian bibles happened during the reign of Saint Louis.</p><p>The subjects of the historiated initials are the following:</p><p>l. l St Jerome Prologue; l. 4 The 7 days of Creation Genesis; l. 27 Moses leading his people across the Red Sea Exodus; l. 43 the Jews offering a sacrifice; l. 54 Moses preaching; l. 72 Moses receiving the Tablets of Stone; l. 89 God talking to Joshua; l. 99 Gideon holding his sword; l. 110 Elimelech and Naomi migrating to Moab Ruth; l. 112v Beheading of Eli; l. 128 Beheading of Amalekite before David; l. 141 David's servant bringing Abishag to him; l. 155v Ahaziah falling from a tower; l. 170v the Patriarchs; l. 185 Solomon enthroned; l. 202 The Construction of the Temple; l. 207 Nehemiah presenting the golden cup to Artaxerxes; l. 213v Spraying of the Temple; l. 220v Tobias; l. 225v Judith beheading Holofernes; l. 232 Ahasuerus being merciful to Esther; l. 238v Job on the manure heap; l. 251 David playing the harp; l. 256 anointing of David by Samuel; l. 258v David showing his mouth; l. 261 madman holding the stick and the bread Psalm 52; l. 264 God above David below in the water Psalm 68; l. 268 David ringing the bells Psalm 80; l. 271v Two Singers Psalm 97; l. 275 The Trinity Psalm 109; l. 283v Solomon whipping a young man; l. 294v Solomon teaching to a young man; l. 298 Madonna and Child Enthroned; l. 299v Solomon and a young man carrying a sword; l. 307v Ecclesia; l. 328 Isaiah being sawn in half; l. 353 Stoning; l. 381 Baruch writing; l. 384v Ezekiel in bed with the Tetramorph; l. 412 Daniel in the lions' den; l. 423v Hosea and Gomer; l. 427v Joel preaching to a group of Jews; l. 429v Amos offering the sheep; l. 432v God appearing to Obadiah; l. 433v Jonah in the mouth of the whale; l. 434v the teaching Prophet; l. 437 Nahum lamenting about the fall of Nineveh; l. 438v Habakkuk and the stones; l. 440 the Prophet with his scroll; l. 441v Two Prophets; l. 442v Prophet; l. 447 Two men talking; l. 449 Beheading of the idolatrous Jew; l. 466 the Messenger delivering the letter; l. 478v the Tree of Jesse; l. 494v Saint Mark with the lion; l. 505 Saint Luke with the angel; l. 521v Saint John; l. 535 Saint Paul carrying the cross; l. 541 Saint Paul carrying a sword; l. 546v Saint Paul carrying a sword and a scroll; l. 551 Saint Paul carrying a sword and a book; l. 555 Saint Paul carrying a sword; l. 556v Saint Paul carrying a sword and a book; l. 558 Saint Paul carrying a sword; l. 559 Saint Paul carrying a sword; l. 560 Saint Paul carrying a sword; l. 561v Saint Paul carrying a sword; l. 562v Saint Paul carrying a sword; l. 561v Saint Paul carrying a sword; l. 562v Saint Paul carrying a sword; l. 563v Saint Paul carrying a sword; l. 564 Two men talking; l. 568v. Ascension; l. 585 Jacob holding a book; l. 586v Saint Peter seated holding a book; l. 588 Saint Peter holding a key; l. 589 Saint John writing; l. 590v Saint John; l. 591 Saint John; f. 591 Saint Jude; l. 592 Saint John writing.</p><p>This complete bible dated from 1230-1250 is a masterpiece of Capetian illumination produced under the reign of Saint Louis.</p><p>Provenance:</p><p>- <em>Jean Tornone</em>: doctor from Burgundy: inscription on the verso of the endpaper mentioning his gifting of the book to <em>Stroyff</em>.</p><p>- <em>Assuerus Stroyff</em>: inscription mentioning his reception of the book by Tornone then his gift to <em>Johan Baron de Bronckhorst.</em></p><ul><li><em>Johan Baron de Bronckhorst</em> and <em>Batenburg de Guelders</em>: inscription dated from 1574 mentioning his receipt of the book.</li></ul><p><strong>FR</strong></p><p>Nord de la France probablement Paris 1230-1250.</p><p>In-12 de 1 658 ff. : 1-1524 1620 17-2224 2310 24-2524 2617 sans le f. blanc xviii 2726 2828 295 sans le f. blanc vi. <strong>Ainsi complet</strong>.</p><p>Double colonne de 47 lignes écrites à l'encre brune dans une très fine écriture gothique.</p><p>Justification : 92 x 60 mm.</p><p><strong>78 initiales historiées</strong>. Cahiers numérotés en chiffres romains au pied des versos des derniers ff. et signatures au pied du coin inférieur du texte sur chaque recto de la première moitié d'un cahier rubriques en rouge initiales en rouge lettres des titres courants et numéros des chapitres alternativement en rouge ou bleu initiales des chapitres sur 2 lignes alternativement en rouge ou bleu avec un décor de la couleur opposée initiales de 5 à 7 lignes au début des prologues du même type mais avec des décors des deux couleurs ouvrant les prologues 78 initiales historiées la plupart ornées de feuillage et de dragons le prolongement de 29 d'entre elles formant des bordures décorant la marge peintes en bleu rose orange-rouge et jaune qq. trous de vers ds. le premier f. atteinte à qq. titres courants dernier f. restauré ds. la marge extérieure.</p><p>Vélin rigide du XIXe siècle encadrement d'une roulette grecque dorée autour des plats dos lisse orné pièce de titre de maroquin vert tranches dorées.</p><p>140 x 93 mm.</p><p><strong>Superbe manuscrit capétien de l'école de Paris complet et de parfaite fraicheur calligraphié sur peau de vélin et enluminé avec une exquise finesse entre 1230 et 1250.</strong></p><p><u>Texte</u> : Liste des Livres de la Bible : recto et verso de la première garde ; la Vulgate avec le préambule : ff. 1-599v ; Interprétation des noms hébreux : ff. 600-658.</p><p><strong>Superbe exemple des petites bibles vulgates produites à Paris au XIIIe siècle.</strong></p><p>C'est au XIIIe siècle à Paris que les maîtres de théologie de l'Université établirent ce qui devait devenir la forme standard de la Bible latine : la sélection des livres et de l'ordre de ceux-ci et leur division en chapitres établies par Stéphane Laugton et encore universellement employée l'insertion des prologues de St Jérôme et l'interprétation des noms hébreux.</p><p>Toutes ces caractéristiques sont bien présentes dans cette très élégante Bible sur peau de vélin très fine.</p><p><u>Enluminures</u> : Chef-d'œuvre de l'atelier de Pierre de Bar actif à Paris entre 1230 et 1250 il se distingue par les teintes de ses enluminures particulièrement colorées et vives ; les habituels blancs roses et bleus sont enrichis de rouge orange et de manière plus surprenante encore par de larges zones de jaune.</p><p><strong>Cette Bible possède 78 enluminures d'une grande beauté et d'une étonnante fraicheur.</strong></p><p>Le répertoire de détails décoratifs est particulier en comparaison des autres enluminures françaises de cette époque et le feuillage comporte des petites feuilles de trèfle.</p><p><strong>Branner a attribué l'illustration du manuscrit à l'atelier parisien qui a illustré les plus remarquables manuscrits enluminés de la première moitié du XIIIe siècle l'atelier de Bar</strong> par référence au cardinal Pierre de Bar 1252 qui donna à l'abbaye de Clairvaux une Bible en quatre volumes provenant de cet atelier et conservés aujourd'hui sous les cotes Troyes Bibliothèque municipale ms. 106 108 110 et 111.</p><p>On peut dater le présent manuscrit de 1230-1250. Remarquable par ses têtes larges et bien formées ; les corps sont robustes et recouverts de draperies aux plis profonds et sombres. R. Branner <em>Manuscript Painting in Paris during the Reign of Saint Louis</em> 1977 pp. 70-71. Il date l'activité de l'atelier de Pierre de Bar entre 1230-1250 et explique ses spécificités en suggérant la formation se son style en dehors de Paris.</p><p><strong>La décoration du manuscrit comprend 78 initiales historiées enluminées et d'innombrables capitales rubriquées en rouge ou bleu.</strong></p><p>Cette bible très séduisante semble avoir été réalisée à Paris ; elle représente un ajout intéressant à la production d'un atelier considéré par Branner comme produisant certaines des enluminures parisiennes les plus belles et les plus raffinées de la première moitié du XIIIe siècle.</p><p>On assiste à partir des années 1220-1230 sous le règne de la reine Blanche de Castille à une concentration des artistes enlumineurs à Paris au détriment des abbayes et des écoles capitulaires de province. On peut en effet imputer plusieurs manuscrits à Blanche de Castille qui inaugura la tradition du mécénat féminin dans la famille royale. Mais l'apogée de ces célèbres petites bibles capétiennes se situe sous le règne de Saint Louis.</p><p>Les sujets des initiales historiées sont les suivants :</p><p>f. l St Jerome Prologue ; f. 4 Les 7 jours de la Création Genèse ; f. 27 Moïse conduit son peuple à travers la Mer Rouge Exode ; f. 43 les Juifs offrent un sacrifice ; f. 54 Moïse preche ; f. 72 Moise reçoit les tables de la Loi ; f. 89 Dieu s'adresse à Joshua ; f. 99 Gédéon tient son épée ; f. 110 Elimelech et Naomi migrent à Moab Ruth ; f. 112v Décapitation d'Eli ; f. 128 Décapitation d'Amalekite devant David ; f. 141 le serviteur de David lui amène Abishag ; f. 155v Ahaziah tombe d'une tour ; f. 170v Les trois juifs patriarches ; f. 185 Salomon intronisé ; f. 202 La Construction du Temple ; f. 207 Néhémie présentant la coupe d'or à Artaxerxès ; f. 213v Aspersion du Temple ; f. 220v Tobias ; f. 225v Judith décapitant Holopherne ; f. 232 Assuérus se montre clément envers Esther ; f. 238v Job sur le tas de fumier ; f. f. 251 David joue de la harpe ; f. 256 onction de David par Samuel ; f. 258v David montre sa bouche ; f. f. 261 fou tenant le bâton et le pain psaume 52 ; f. 264 Dieu au-dessus David dans l'eau dessous Psaume 68 ; f. 268 David sonnant les cloches Psaume 80 ; f. 271v Deux chanteurs Psaume 97 ; f. 275 La Trinité Psaume 109 ; f. 283v Salomon fouette un jeune ; f. 294v Salomon enseigne à un jeune ; f. 298 La Vierge et l'Enfant intronisé ; f. 299v Salomon et un jeune portant une épée ; f. 307v Ecclésia ; f. 328 Isaïe est scié en deux ; f. 353 Lapidation ; f. 381 Baruch écrivant ; f. 384v Ezéchiel au lit avec le Tétramorphe ; f. 412 Daniel dans la fosse aux lions ; f. 423v Osée et Gomer ; f. 427v Joel prechant à un groupe de juifs ; f. 429v Amos offre le mouton ; f. 432v Dieu apparait à Obadiah ; f. 433v Jonas dans la bouche de la baleine ; f. 434v le Prophète enseignant ; f. 437 Nahum se lamente sur la chute de Nineveh ; f. 438v Habakuk et les pierres ; f. 440 le Prophète avec son rouleau ; f. 441v Deux Prophètes ; f. 442v Prophète ; f. 447 Deux hommes en discussion ; f. 449 Décapitation du juif idolâtre ; f. 466 le Messager livre la lettre ; f. 478v l'Arbre de Jessé ; f. 494v Saint Marc avec le lion ; f. 505 Saint Luc avec l'ange ; f. 521v Saint Jean ; f. 535 Saint Paul portant la croix ; f. 541 Saint Paul portant une épée ; f. 546v Saint Paul portant une épée et un rouleau ; f. 551 Saint Paul portant une épée et un livre ; f. 555 Saint Paul portant une épée ; f. 556v Saint Paul portant une épée et un livre ; f. 555 Saint Paul portant une épée ; f. 556v Saint Paul portant une apée et un livre ; f. 558 Saint Paul portant une épée ; f. 559 Saint Paul portant une épée ; f. 560 Saint Paul portant une épée ; f. 561v Saint Paul portant une épée ; f. f. 562v Saint Paul portant une épée ; f. 561v Saint Paul portant une épée ; f. 562v Saint Paul portant une épée ; f. 563v Saint Paul portant une épée ; f. 564 Deux hommes en discussion ; f. 568v. Ascension ; f. 585 Jacob tenant un livre ; f. 586v Saint Pierre assis tenant un livre ; f. 588 Saint Pierre tenant une clef ; f. 589 Saint Jean écrivant ; f. 590v Saint Jean ; f. 591 Saint Jean ; f. 591 Saint Jude ; f. 592 Saint Jean écrivant.</p><p><strong>Cette bible complète datée de 1230-1250 est un chef-d'œuvre de l'enluminure capétienne réalisée sous le règne de Saint Louis.</strong></p><p>Provenance :</p><p>- <em>Jean Tornone</em> : docteur bouguignon : inscription au verso de la garde mentionnant son présent du livre à Stroyff.</p><p>- <em>Assuerus Stroyff</em> : inscription mentionnant sa réception du livre par Tornone puis son présent à Johan Baron de Bronckhorst.</p><p>- <em>Johan Baron de Bronckhorst</em> et <em>Batenburg de Guelders</em> : inscription datée de 1574 mentionnant sa réception du livre.</p> hardcover
148552035France c.1485-1515. Small8vo. 80 x 12 mm. 1 leaf in vellum single column with text to both verso and recte. Fine flower ornamentation in red blue and gold to outer margin both verso and recte. Horisontal catchword. Small worm-hole to upper right corner far from affecting text. hardcover
52102Presumably late 15th century. 4to 195 x 142. 1 leaf of vellum 21 lines of text recte and 18 lines verso. hardcover
19158494Portland Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher 1915. First edition thus number 22 of 25 copies printed on Japan Vellum. 8vo 19x14cm v xvi 3 142 1pp. Two initials printed in red text printed within borders few leaves unopened. Bound in gilt stamped parchment boards and in near fine condition with bumped corners. In original plain paper jacket which shows toning and a few tears and housed in toned paper slipcase with two ownership signatures one being Primrose Rupp Hinton. <br /> <br /> Very scarce and beautiful Mosher printing on Japanese vellum. Sirenica is a 1913 novel by Leith which explores the myth of the Siren Song and the struggle by man for the unobtainable. <br /> <br /> <br /> This copy with an interesting ownership provenance from journalist Primrose Rupp Hinton who was longtime society editor for the Aberdeen Daily World in Aberdeen WA. . Thomas Bird Mosher unknown
ST17587France late 12th century. 176 x 132 mm. 7 x 5 1/4". Single column 18 lines in a protogothic hand text on one side only. <br/> Rubrics in red "Liber" in upper margin in red. Recto and verso with scribblings by later hands the name "Simon Pivante" clearly visible on recto but the others illegible. ◆Recovered from a binding and thus with obvious staining folds and rubbing a couple lines at top and bottom and a few other words here and there too rubbed to make out but by and large still very legible and in a pleasing hand.<br/> <br/> This leaf is primarily of interest for its content containing a rare example of Anastasius Bibliothecarius' "Historia Ecclesiastica" of the Byzantine Church also known as the "Chronographia tripartita" compiled from the works of the near-contemporary Greek authors Theophanes Nicephorus and Syncellus. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia Anastasius Bibliothecarius ca. 810-79 "learned Greek from Greek monks and obtained an unusual education for his era so that he appears to be the most learned ecclesiastic of Rome in the barbaric period of the ninth century." He earned the moniker "Bibliothecarius" from his appointment as librarian of the Roman Church a position he held during the reign of popes Adrian II 867-72 and John VIII 872-82. It is possible that Anastasius was also the same figure elected antipope in 855 as recorded in at least one contemporary chronology but historians disagree on the validity of this identification. Anastasius' work appears to be extremely rare in the marketplace. unknown
ST12778-0082South Germany or more probably Austria second half of the 12th century. 429 x 304 mm. 16 7/8 x 12". Double column 36 lines of text in a fine proto-gothic hand. <br/> ◆Text a bit faded on one side an upper corner slightly defective minor soiling and with the grain of the vellum apparent on verso but with the beautiful text entirely legible and the leaf as a whole quite pleasing.<br/> <br/> The hand here is memorable featuring wide upright letters that could not be more regular. Elected pope in 590 Gregory ca. 540-604 was one of the most influential pontiffs in the history of the Church. In addition to revising liturgical worship he wrote extensively on theology offering homespun wisdom rather than esoteric debates. He was declared a saint immediately upon his death. unknown
1475ST19653NNorthern France ca. 1475. 155 x 110 mm. 6 x 4 1/4". Single column 16 lines in a gothic book hand. <br/> Rubrics in dark pink ONE EXQUISITE FOUR-LINE INITIAL painted blue with white detailing filled with red and blue vines and leaves on a burnished gold ground with a painted and gilt bar border on one side each end capped with a flower the text surrounded on three sides with a border of acanthus leaves dense rinceaux colorful flowers gold ivy leaves and bezants. A couple negligible imperfections but IN VERY FINE CONDITION<br/> <br/> One of the most popular optional prayers in the 15th century Book of Hours "O Intemerata" "Oh immaculate virgin" is a brief supplication in which the Virgin is glorified for her purity as the "unspotted and forever blessed singular and incomparable Virgin Mary Mother of God." The present leaf is given special emphasis with the presence of a three-quarter rinceaux border surrounding the text and the opening of the prayer is marked by an especially pretty and finely detailed initial that glitters with burnished gold. The leaf is unusually beautiful precisely rendered and in very fine condition. unknown