BOOK OF HOURS – USE OF PARIS. Illuminated manuscript on parchment. Paris, last quarter of 15th century. 136 x 85mm (sheets.) With 6 large miniatures and 2 smaller miniatures surrounded by borders, 13 illuminated borders (in addition to the borders found surrounding the miniatures), several large initials, and numerous smaller illuminated initials on a red, blue, or brown background. 95 leaves, plus 2 blank parchment leaves at front, 2 blank parchment leaves at rear, and 1 leaf at rear with early manuscript notes (see photos); lacks two leaves (one between leaves 14 and 15, and one between leaves 51 and 52.) Handsomely bound in a 17th century morocco binding done for Philippe de Bethune, with initials under crown in gilt; housed in marbled slipcase. ****************A stunning Book of Hours with visually striking miniatures. Created in Paris for liturgical use, the original sponsor of the present work is uncertain. The blank recto of the third leaf bears the signature of "D. Raullet."While the original patron may remain uncertain, the 17th c. Philippe de Bethune provenance is quite evident. Philippe de Bethune (1565-1649) was an important diplomat under Charles IX, Henri III, Henry IV, and Louis XIII. He was also a significant collector of art and books. His library included around 2,500 manuscripts. The volumes bound in red morocco with initials "PP", as seen here, constituted one of the most important collections of his day. The collection included the famous Book of Hours of Simon de Varie, among many others, including the present work. Later ownership ink-stamps are found on the first and third leaves at front, and include: Rene-Marie-Raoul de Sainte-Beuve, monk and musician of Solesmes Abbey; and Canon Yves Delaporte, early to mid 20th century archivist of the Chartres diocese. This manuscript is accompanied by a French export certificate from the Ministere de la Culture, and this certificate will be provided to the winning bidder.

Slipcase with chipping to surface and general shelf-wear. Binding lightly rubbed to extremities. Contents in Good condition overall. Leaves are a bit trimmed and shaving the edges of some borders, 20th c. numbering to corners in red ink.