A LEAF OPENING THE HOURS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT from an illuminated Book of Hours, with flowers, birds, and caterpillars [southern Netherlands (Ghent or Bruges), c.1430-50 and first quarter 16th century]

A lively and colourful leaf of the most refined delicacy and quality, with naturalistic flowers, birds and insects – typical of southern Netherlandish illumination – adorning the borders. The script and the smaller initials are probably the work of a French scribe and illuminator from the first half of the 15th century, but the manuscript was apparently left unfinished, and, in the 16th century, the border decoration was completed by Simon Bening – the leading master of illumination in the 16th century – or an artist in his immediate circle.

Other leaves from the same manuscript belonged to Harry Bober (1915-1988), American art historian, university professor, and writer.

Provenance:
- BARON ADALBERT VON LANNA of Prague, his sale, Vienna, 3 April 1911, lot 4.
- RUDOLF BUSCH, his sale, II, Frankfurt, 4 May 1921, lot 272.
- Christie's, New York, 21 October 1977, lot 103, afterwards broken up.
- Sotheby’s, 7 December 1992, lot 24.

Measurements:
209mm x 149mm.

Bibliography:
R. Wieck, 'Folia Fugitiva', The Journal of the Walters Art Gallery, LIV, 1996, p.253, n.81.

-