"[Illuminated Leaf]", Anon.

A calendar leaf from a Book of Hours containing the months of September, October, November and December. Every Book of Hours started with a calendar with the names of saints identifying the dates. At the top of each month there is an illuminated initial with the number of days in that month and the number of lunar days. In October there is an interesting mistranslation for the eleven martyred virgins of Saint Ursula; here 'xi mil. Virgi', literally meaning eleven thousand virgins. This fine vellum leaf is a wonderful example from the infancy of printing with printed text and hand painted decoration. Both sides feature panels containing colorful leaves, flowers and fruit on a gold background.

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Condition: B

Minor smudging, else very good.