Ornamental penwork alphabet, 19c France

Original hand lettered alphabet from a pen work drawing and calligraphy manuscript located in Laval, France. Single leaf, 9 x 14 inches, loosely housed in archival conservation matting, 16x20 inches. The image is a remarkably intricate calligraphic alphabet with subtle flourishes in purple ink and incredibly fine detail best observed with a magnifying glass. Paper has some age toning and minor soil, Very Good overall. The Immaculate Conception Carmel at Laval was established in 1856 by the Carmelite nuns of Le Mans. Given the overtly religious themes in other surviving pages from the manuscript, it is believed to be the work of a young Carmelite sister or novitiate from before the community disbanded at the turn of the century. Shipping will be calculated by location.