Office of the Madonna Book of Hours by Jean Bourichon

This Book of Hours, which stands out particularly for the lively power of colors and the delicacy of the illuminations, is among the richest in the Vatican Library collection. It has been attributed to the famous French miniaturist Jean Bourdichon and his workshop, and is presumed to have originated around 1485. For over 350 years the manuscript has belonged to the papal library. It was a donation by Paolo V Borghese, pope from 1605 to 1619. Perhaps he came to Italy Avignon. The manuscript includes four images of the Evangelists, a portrait of the Virgin with the Child, a cycle of seven scenes from Jesus' childhood and the Pentecost coronation, an image of penitent David and a depiction of Job. Remarkable and peculiar is a full-page portrait of the Crucifixion. It is assumed that this illumination was reworked by an important 16th century Italian artist; the manuscript could also have arrived in Italy immediately after its production and may have aroused strong artistic interest here. Our edition includes:

• The manuscript Complete reproduction of the manuscript with double gold print in the original format (10.5 x 17 cm, 226 pages), stiching, gold edges of the pages and leather headband. The manuscript includes 17 full-page illuminations and several initials. Front and back cover bound in white leather with 22 K bronze gilt decorations (The Holy Virgin on the front and Pope Sixtus IV coat of arms in the back) and nerves on the spine.
• The scholarly volume The Commentary book, by Prof. Dr. Eberhard König (Berlin), offers a thorough reportage about the origins of the codex, the quality of parchment, the writing style and the textual content. The author also gives an account on the Book of Hours as a literary genre as well as a brief biographical note of the famous miniaturist Jean Bourdichon.
• Medals for the project Codicum Faccsimiles Bibliotecae Apostolicae Vaticanae by the artist Tommaso Gismond.

Limited edition in 600 certified copies .

The transaction takes place with maximum security for both the seller and the buyer. We take care of the conformity (provenance, authenticity, state of conservation) of the work and handle the shipping.
Returns are possible no later than 14 days after receiving the order.