Vostre - Leaf from a book of hours, printed on vellum - 1502

Vellum / parchment - 17 x 10.5 cm

This 16th-century sheet comes from a Latin Book of Hours that was printed in 1502 in France by Vostre. Before 1497, the psalters were handwritten; this sheet comes from a book that was printed.

This is a sheet on vellum (thin parchment - animal skin) with a number of beautifully decorated hand-painted initials and engraved decorations around the text from the Dance of Death section, the Dance Macabre. It is an original, unique piece from the 16th century.

Condition: although more than 500 years old, the condition is reasonably good; the parchment is slightly browned and has brown stains.