Featured Item

A gorgeous Germain Hardouin Book of Hours from the Library of William Foyle 

15 large engravings, probably metal-cuts, printer’s mark, anatomical man and 25 smaller woodcuts or metal-cuts, mostly admirably illuminated in gold and colours, probably in the Hardouin workshop but by a particularly refined hand that freely interpreted the printed backgrounds. For example, almost all the backgrounds used to be oval in shape and have been transformed into rectangles. Two illustrations printed miniatures on blank background (Adam and Eve and the Agony in the Garden). Each page is surrounded by gold painted border with red lines. Initials and line filler in liquid gold on an alternating pink and blue background. Original leather binding with blindstamp decorations, gilt edges. Provenance: heraldic coat of arms painted on the first sheet; William Foyle, Ex-libris red leather label.

A sumptuously illustrated prayer book with an outstanding Provenance.

Exhibiting at the New York book fair, April 3-6, 2025.

Enquire for more details info@butlerrarebooks.co.uk