Leaf from Tboeck vanden leven Jhesu Christi (Book on the Life of Christ) Subtitle: “Of that message from the angel and how Mary received that blessing from God”, opening to chapter 5

Printer Claes Leeu South Netherlandish, active circa 1484–1488

Artist Unknown (Gouda or Antwerp, late 15th century)

DateNovember 20, 1488

MediumInk on paper; hand-colored woodcut

Dimensions9 1/2 x 6 7/8 in. (24.1 x 17.5 cm)

ClassificationsBook Arts

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the State of North Carolina

Object number62.1.1/4

On View

On view

Label TextThis leaf comes from a spiritual guidebook published in Antwerp in 1488. Written in Dutch, and combining user-friendly texts with copious imagery, it was geared toward lay readers seeking to integrate contemplative exercises into their busy daily lives.

The leaf here introduced the chapter on the angel Gabriel’s message to the Virgin Mary that she will conceive the son of God (based on Luke 1:23–38). In accordance with the book text, the woodcut artist set the scene inside Mary’s bedroom, embellishing it with familiar (Gothic style) architectural decorations. The lifelike statues on pedestals refer to narrative voices embedded in the text. The image-text pairing testifies to the importance of imagery in the religious practice of late medieval readers.
[L. Humphrey, “The People’s Collection, Reimagined,” 2026]
ProvenanceFred Werther, Baltimore, Maryland, no. 530 (stamped in black ink on bottom left of recto); [Ferdinand Roten Galleries, 123 W. Mulberry St, Baltimore, Maryland]; purchased by NCMA on February 13, 1962.Published References"Catalogue of Early Book Art," North Carolina Museum of Art Calendar of Art Events (May 1962), cat. no. 22.

"Acquisitions," North Carolina Museum of Art Bulletin 4, nos. 2 and 3 (Winter-Spring 1964), listed 65.
Exhibition HistoryRaleigh, NC, North Carolina Museum of Art, "Early Book Art," May 1962, then traveling, cat. no. 22.

Raleigh, NC, North Carolina Museum of Art, "The People's Collection, Reimagined," April 24, 2023–January 16, 2024.

Raleigh, NC, North Carolina Museum of Art, "The People's Collection Reimagined," May 19, 2026-present. Object Rights Statement

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