Medieval Illuminated Manuscript Leaf – Virgin Nursing The Child – Late Gothic, Late 15th Century

Medieval Illuminated Leaf – Virgin Nursing the Child – Late Gothic, late 15th century.

A rare medieval illuminated leaf painted on vellum, depicting a delicate scene of the Virgin nursing the Infant Jesus, inscribed within a lunette.

The Virgin, draped in a flowing blue mantle and her head covered, reveals a fine lock of blond hair. She gazes upon the Child with tender maternal affection, contrasting with the hieratic character of the composition. The radiant background, enlivened by luminous motifs in shades of yellow and red, lends the whole a strong spiritual dimension.

The miniature is framed by a border decorated with flowers and strawberries on a gold ground, typical of the precious decoration of late 15th-century manuscripts. This style is similar to that found in the famous Grandes Heures of Anne of Brittany, testifying to the refinement of illumination during this period.

The piece is enhanced by a wide vegetal border in which the initials "GA," likely those of the patron, appear several times. These intertwined letters, notably integrated into a band supporting a shield, are characteristic of works produced between 1480 and 1520.

The coat of arms, yet to be identified, is described as follows: Or, a chevron sable, accompanied by three wheels of the same and a mullet in chief. It is surrounded by a scroll bearing a motto, now partially effaced, of which only the last three letters, "ent," remain.

Also noteworthy in the lower right corner is the presence of a bird, probably a rooster, adding a symbolic or heraldic touch to the composition.

The whole, both in its subject matter and decoration, is fully in keeping with the aesthetics of late European Gothic.

Condition: good overall condition despite several abrasions. Left border cut flush (old restoration with the addition of a strip of vellum). Blank reverse side showing traces of old glue, probably from previous framing.

Dimensions: 12.6 x 17.2 cm.

Price excluding shipping.

Police Register Ref: A019.

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