The Last Judgment, large historiated initial on a leaf from a Book of Hours, in Latin [France (Paris), c.1440-50]

single leaf, 170x121mm, vellum, with a historiated initial 'B' for the Commendation of Souls, 17 lines, 100x62mm, recto with illuminated 3-line initial and partial border, text erased; slightly stained toward the edges, border slightly rubbed, overall in fine condition, framed

The initial was painted by the DUNOIS MASTER (see previous lot) and shows Christ seated on a golden rainbow in heaven while the souls of the dead emerge from their earthly tombs and raise their hands to him in supplication. Characteristic of the painter is the soft colour scheme with the radiating light from a silvery sky, and the subtle movement of figures which animate the scene. The inclusion of a sequence of psalms known as the Commendation of Souls is another feature of Books of Hours made for English patrons.

From the same manuscript as the previous lot.