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.

Unusual leaf printed on paper in Gothic textura type with illuminated capitals in red and blue. The Latin text is surrounded by elaborate iron engravings that include flowers and skulls. Printed Book of Hours leaves are very scarce, as they were only produced between 1496 and 1530. The text includes several hymns, which translate in part as:

From the beginning and before the ages I was created, and until the age to come I will not cease, and in the holy habitation I ministered before him.
Hail, star of the sea, mother of God, soul and ever-happy virgin, gate of heaven.
Taking that Hail from Gabriel's mouth, found us in peace, changing the name of Eve.
Loosen the bonds of the guilty, bring light to the blind, our evil skin, ask for all good things,
Show yourself to be a mother, may he who was born for us accept your prayers through you.
Virgin, unique among all the meek, make us free from guilt, meek and chaste.
Grant us a pure life, prepare a safe path, so that, seeing Jesus, we may always meet.
May praise be to God the Father, glory to Christ above all, honor to the Holy Spirit, the three are one. Amen.

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Condition: A

Minor marginal soiling.