Pentecost from the Coëtivy Hours

Dunois Master, attributed to

Folio with three-quarter page miniature from a book of hours attributed to the Dunois Master, written in Latin and French in a bastarda script, made in Paris and dated 1443–1445. It was commissioned by Prigent de Coëtivy (1399?–1450) on the occasion of his marriage to Marie de Rais (1429–1457). Removed from the bound volume between 1933 and 1960. Following the calendar, Gospel lessons and Passion story are the mixed Hours of the Virgin (8), Holy Cross (7) and Holy Spirit (7). Beneath rubrics in blue, Matins of the Holy Spirit opens with the illuminated initial 'D' (Domine labia mea aperies) painted with white, red, blue and gold ivy-leaf ornament. The miniature is painted in demi-grisaille with pigments and gold and depicts the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove to a group of disciples. St Peter is identified by his key and John the Evangelist by his poisoned cup. A peacock sits on the top left corner of the frame, an apostle and birds inhabit the right margin. The overpainted Coëtivy arms (obscuring the original quartering) is supported by an angel and lion. The arms are replaced on the verso with angels playing harp and portative organ.