Lot 65
  • 65

Book of Hours, Use of Rouen, in Latin and French [France (Rouen), c.1480-90]

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
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Description

  • illuminated manuscript on vellum
167x116mm, vellum, i+126+i, complete, 17 quires of 8 leaves except i12, iii4, x4, xvi4, xvii6, 17 lines, 94x59mm, 14 LARGE MINIATURES with full borders, all text pages with panel borders, small illuminated initials and line-fillers; minor wear, generally in very fine condition; 20th-century burgundy morocco binding with gilt fillet and spine title, signed by James Brockman, gilt edges, fitted case

Catalogue Note

provenance

(1) The manuscript was made in Rouen for the couple shown kneeling before the Virgin on f.121r; their coat of arms in the lower margin may be linked to the Friese family of Germany (d'argent à la barre de gueules (bend sinister) accompagnée de deux trèfles de sinople; see T. de Renesse, Dictionnaire des figures héraldiques, 1894-1903). The date "1490", added by a contemporary hand in brown ink below the shield may record the year in which the manuscript was made. The Rouen feasts in the calendar include Hugh (9 Feb.), the translation of Ouen (5 May), Evodius (8 Oct.), and Romanus (23 Oct., in gold); the calendar also includes the translation of Cuthbert, however, perhaps a remnant of Rouen liturgy under English rule.

(2) Private collection of James E. and Elizabeth J. Ferrell, the present owners (bookplate with initials).

text and illumination

Calendar in French (f.1r); Gospel extracts (f.13r); ‘Obsecro te’ (f.18r), ‘O intemerata’ (f.21r); Hours of the Virgin, Use of Rouen, with Matins (f.25r), Lauds (f.34v); suffrages (f.44v) in an eccentric sequence: Holy Spirit, Nicholas, Katherine, Michael, Peter, Barbara, Margaret, John the Baptist; Hours of the Cross (f.49r) and of the Holy Spirit (f.50v) intermixed; Prime (f.52r), Terce (f.57v), Sext (f.61v), None (f.65r), Vespers (f.68v), Compline (f.72r); Penitential Psalms (f.77r), litany (f.88r), petitions and 3 collects; Office of the Dead, Use of Rouen (f.93r); prayers in French ‘Douce dame’ (f.121r), ‘Doux dieu’ (f.124v).

This Book of Hours was commissioned from the MASTER OF THE ÉCHEVINAGE DE ROUEN, named after his patrons, the aldermen of Rouen, who assembled one of the first public libraries in France. The work of the Échevinage Master is easily recognizable by his pale figures with round eyes emphasized by grey shadows. Flat tapestries often cover walls in his miniatures, and his strong colours highlighted with gold hatch strokes create a cool atmosphere. The Échevinage Master was the most successful Norman illuminator of the third quarter of the 15th century. Most remarkable is the artist's ability to ensure a consistent production of high quality during the twenty-five years of his activity. This manuscript is not only carefully executed but also very well preserved. It is especially rich in appearance because of the abundant use of gold.

The subjects of the large miniatures are: (1) f.13r, the Four Evangelists, in a single four-part miniature typical of Rouen; (2) f.25r, Annunciation; (3) f.34v, Visitation; (4) f.49r, Crucifixion; (5) f.50v, Pentecost; (6) f.52r, Nativity; (7) f.57v, Annunciation to the Shepherds; (8) f.61v, Adoration of the Magi; (9) f.65r, Presentation in the Temple; (10) f.68v, Flight into Egypt; (11) f.72r, Coronation of the Virgin; (12) f.77r, David in Penitence before an altar; (13) f.93r, Burial Service in a graveyard; (14) f.121r, a male and female patron kneeling before the Virgin and Child enthroned.