This leaf is from the brief transitional period when the new technology of printing with movable type was combined with the more labor intensive methods of hand painting. The earliest printers were trained in the manuscript tradition and incorporated the conventions of historiated initials and illustrations into their early work. At first they left those spaces blank for the illuminator to complete entirely by hand. Later they developed printing methods (using woodcuts or iron engravings) to decorate the leaves.

This buttery vellum leaf features a hand-colored image of Saint Genevieve with an angel and a devil in red, blue, green and burnished gold leaf. The Latin text adjacent to the image is a prayer for Saint Genevieve, and includes illuminated initials and line fillers on recto and verso. The text is surrounded by elaborate iron engravings that feature maidens, plants, flowers, and mythical creatures.

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Condition: B+

Very light soiling and toning along the edges.