Leaf from a Printed Book of Hours with the Crucifixion

This leaf is a rare survivor from an attempt to use modular woodblocks to print a Book of Hours that would resemble a high quality manuscript, such as that seen nearby. The border and the image of the Crucifixion are printed from two separate blocks. To save the cost of carving new border blocks, the enterprising publisher simply made one block with a rectangular opening cut in the center to allow insertion of various images. Instead of relatively cheap paper, the publisher chose to use vellum. The printed page was then hand-colored. Finally the figures' haloes, their clothing, and most of the plants were gilded to complete the sumptuous effect.