Subject: Early Printing
Period: 1502 (published)
Publication:
Color: Hand Color
Size:
4.3 x 6.8 inches
10.9 x 17.3 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 verso of Jesus as the Man of Sorrows. The accompanying text translates in part as: "God, the Son, the Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us." The text is surrounded by elaborate iron engravings on both sides that feature hunters, plants, and mythical creatures.
References:
Condition: B+
Light toning and soiling.