78/2460 [Medieval manuscripts]. (Book of Hours). France, ±1480, use of Paris, manuscript in Latin on vellum, (1 blank),(198),(1 blank) lvs., black and brown ink on recto and verso, littera batarde, 14 lines in a single column, rubrication and ruling in red pen and ink, leaves measuring ±14,4x10 cm., text measuring ±6,8x4,5 cm., 9 LARGE ARCH-TOPPED MINIATURES IN COLOURS AND GOLD, each miniature surrounded by full borders of coloured flowers, blue acanthus, leaves and fruits, num. ornamental and floral decoration in colours and gold in outer margin, num. illuminated capitals and smaller illuminated initials, kept in 19th cent. gilt green morocco by H. SÖCHTING.

- Lacks parts of trece, sext, none and vespers to the Hours of the Virgin (and 3 full-page miniatures), a part of the Hours of the Holy Cross (and probably a full-page miniature); bookblock loose; a few miniatures occas. w. small pigment losses; some smudging to border decoration; gilding often turned white. A fine and well preserved manuscript with bright colours and gilding.

= CONTENTS: Parisian calendar, important Parisian saints mentioned in gold; Gospel Lessons; prayers (Obscero te/ O Intermerata); Hours of the Virgin for the use of Rome (lacks parts of sext, terce, none and vespers); Penitential Psalms and Litany; prayers; part of the Hours of the Cross [first part of text probably missing]; Hours of the Holy Spirit; Fifteen Joys of the Virgin and prayers.

DECORATION: MINIATURES (in order of appearance) 1. The Annunciation; 2. The Visitation (Mary meets St. Elisabeth); 3. The Nativity; 4. The Adoration of the Magi; 5. The coronation of Mary by an angel; 6. David at prayer; 7. The Pentecost (the Holy Spirit descends upon Mary and the apostles); 8. A funeral service in a church and 9. Mary and the Christ-child w. female patron. SEE ILLUSTRATION PLATE LXVI.