John Underwood - Rare and Antiquarian Books and Manuscripts

GERMAN CATHOLIC ILLUMINATED PRAYERBOOK. 1791 "I.F." A beautiful and entirely original German hand illuminated prayer book. (viii) Pp126 (2) (vii) Bound in red calf,rubbed, gilt ruled and decorated with initials IF and date 1791 to front board. All edges gilt. Eleven full page figurative and other miniatures finely executed in full bright contemporary gilt illumination. List of illuminated pages 1) Reclining figure with cross on flowered ground, eye of God in triangle in sky along with two heads.2) Angel figure with upraised hand, blue wings leading smaller figure by the arm. 3) God enthroned with Christ on right hand showing marks of crucifixion.White dove of peace overhead. 4) Mary mother of Christ holding Christ child, enthroned on cloud, two faces in sky overhead. 5).Smiling group in flames with lamb and flag and two heads above. 6) Mary Magdalene kneeling surrounded by rocks. She is kneeling, stripped to the waist and holding a skull and flagellum. 7) Sacramental cup with emblem IHS and six heads surrounding. 8) Emblematic page Initials IHS with heart surrounded by floral motif. 9) King David ,bearded, playing large harp. Head above him.10) Joseph holding Christ child, holding (olive?) branch. Two heads above.11) Saint Anne, seated with child holding book, two heads above.All pages in manuscript, some pages stained or a little smudged, and some marks from handling. Illuminated pages bright in original colour. A delightful book.

condition: Very Good +

jacket: None Issued

binding: Full-Leather, Gilt