MANUSCRIT. - Christian hours and prayers [sic] dedicated. S. - Lot 89

MANUSCRIT. - Christian hours and prayers [sic] dedicated. S.l. [c. 1674]. Manuscript in-4 (215 x 155 mm) of 114 fine paper leaves, long-grained red morocco, framed in the Du Seuil style, coat of arms in the center, ornate spine, interior roulette, edges gilt on marble (Binding of the period). Charming manuscript, beautifully calligraphed in black, vermilion and gold. The title is set in an architectural frame with two cherubs supporting a garland of fruit and flowers, all drawn in pen and fully highlighted in gold. Each page is framed by a double black and gold fillet. The table of the Festes mobiles, given for 7 years from 1674 to 1680, is decorated with numerous small gold motifs. The text is embellished with friezes of painted foliage motifs at the head of the main chapters, highlighted in gold, and several dozen initials on a background of gilded foliage and scrolls. In addition, 11 intaglio engravings by masters of the period (Montcornet and Wierix in particular) have been inserted, 8 of which feature large gold-painted frames. Of particular note is the page opening the Office des morts, adorned with a macabre skull-and-crossbones band and an attractive silver-painted initial D decorated with a bird of prey resting on foliage. The manuscript is bound in the coat of arms of Jean Auget de Monthyon, seigneur de Boissy, Gentleman Ordinary of the King's Chamber and President of the Paris Finance Office (OHR, pl. 467). From the Charles Cousin library (1891, no. 18). Uniform spotting and freckling, ink visible through the paper.