The Coronation of the Virgin, full-page miniature from an illuminated Book of Hours, on vellum [France (probably Tours), c.1500]

single leaf, 186mm. by 124mm, with the Coronation of the Virgin in an architectural frame (for the beginning of Compline in the Hours of the Virgin), recto with 19 lines in a late gothic bookhand (written space: 110mm. by 65mm.), rubrics in red, 3-line initial and panel border decorated with naturalistic flowers on a gold ground, one-line initials in gold on red or blue grounds, miniature with small pigment losses, frame slightly rubbed in the lower left corner, else in good and presentable condition

From the collection of Denys Miller Sutton (1917-91); bought by him from the Alfred Brod Gallery, London, on 14 October 1963.

This fine leaf was painted by an excellent but otherwise unknown artist who was probably working in Tours around 1500. The Trinity is depicted as three men blessing, with the crowned Virgin sinking to her knees, supported by two angels. The dramatic mise-en-scene shows the Trinity emerging from a brightly shining aureole, surrounded by dark blue glowing clouds. The sense of depth is accentuated by presentation of the Virgin and the angels from behind, slightly turning their heads to show the sides of their faces to the viewer. The muted colours of dark red, purple and blue are contrasted with light pink and intense green and reflect the daring colour combinations of Jean Poyer of Tours, who worked for the courts of three successive French kings (Louis XI, Charles VIII and Louis XII). The facial types and especially the carefully curled locks of God the Father, Christ and the Holy Spirit evoke associations with Early Netherlandish painting and figures such as Jan van Eyck.