Subject: Early Printing
Period: 1502 (published)
Publication:
Color: Hand Color
Size:
4.3 x 6.7 inches
10.9 x 17 cm
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 on recto of the Education of the Virgin, featuring Saint Anne teaching a young Mary to read from a book. The accompanying text translates as: "A heavenly privilege entered into Ann, through whom the Virgin Mary was born to us. Pray for us, blessed Anna, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ." The text is surrounded by elaborate iron engravings that feature plants, flowers, mythical creatures, and biblical scenes.
References:
Condition: B+
Light toning and soiling mostly confined to the edges of the leaf.