Presentation in the Temple, miniature on a leaf from a Book of Hours, in Latin [France (Paris), c.1510-20]

single leaf, 185x120mm, vellum, with a miniature for Vespers in the Hours of the Virgin, verso with 29 lines, 125x70mm, many small illuminated initials, line-fillers and a panel border, foliation in modern pencil ‘40’, small pigment losses, traces of previous tape at lower edge

The miniature is close to the work of JEAN COENE (also known as the Master of the Paris Entries), a prolific artist who was active in Paris for the French court under Louis XII (1498-1515) and François I (1515-47). He was originally named after the manuscripts he painted recording the royal entries into Paris of Mary Tudor in 1514 (London, BL, Cotton Vespasian B II) and Claude de France in 1517 (Paris, BnF, ms.fr.5750), until his name was discovered in the painted frame on a leaf with the Crucifixion from a Missal, inscribed with ‘De Jos Coene’ (Leuchtendes Mittelalter, Neue Folge 1, 1997, ill. on p.320). His quick painting technique and the careful finish of his miniatures led him to be one of the most successful artists for a high-ranking clientele in early 16th-century Paris.