Fear and Worship in Paris: Leaf from miniature French Book of Hours (likely Use of Rome), first quarter of 15th c.

France, likely Paris (86  x 65 mm) 12 lines in finely executed Gothic script in Latin. Single column of text surrounded by border of ivy on recto. One 5-line illuminated initial, one 2-line illuminated initial, 5 single line illuminated initials.   The Art: The upper reaches of the inner border terminates in a floral spray reminiscent of the top of the main staircase in the Tour Jean-sans-Peur (John without Fear), the only remains of the original residence of the Counts of Artois and Dukes of Burgundy in Paris.     A border consisting of (nearly) exclusively ivy indicates the Parisian origin. A common strategy in medieval borders was to embed symbolism in the margins to prompt the reader to reflect on the significance. Interwoven within the ivy are a strawberry and a thistle (perhaps a subtle nod at the relationship between France and Scotland).   The Text:   This tiny book was designed to fit comfortably into the hands of its noble reader and guide them through the canonical hours o