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 vellum leaf is from a printed Book of Hours. It is a beautiful example of early printing with the verso featuring a full-page, hand-colored image of the Annunciation to the Shepherds. The recto includes additional iron engravings that depict biblical scenes. The text on recto begins with the Hours of the Cross for the first hour, which translates as:

At the first hour Jesus was led to Pilate.
Many were accused with false testimonies:
They beat him on the neck with their hands tied
They spit on the face of God, the light of heaven, the gracious light.

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Condition: B+

Light toning and soiling with some minor abrasions and light cockling of the vellum.