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The Aussem Hours
(Manuscripts and Rare Books)
This early sixteenth-century book of hours was made for the Aussem family in Cologne, Germany, a provenance proclaimed through family heraldry within the manuscript, as well as the arms of Cologne stamped on its original leather binding. Lavishly illuminated throughout with full-page miniatures and historiated initials, the manuscript is just as notable for the marginal decorations that surround the figurative scenes. Illusionistic jewelry, architecture, texts, flowers, and insects abound.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object.
Aussem family, Cologne, early sixteenth century [1]; Marshall C. Lefferts Collection, New York, before 1901; purchased by George H. Richmond collection, New York, 1901. Acquired by Henry Walters, Baltimore; by bequest to Walters Art Museum, 1931.
[1] fol. 58v coat of arms, fol. 82v kneeling donor
Exhibitions
| 2016-2017 | A Feast for the Senses: Art and Experience in Medieval Europe. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore; The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota. |
| 2006 | Schatzkammer: Henry Walters' German Manuscripts. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. |
| 1995 | The Papacy and the Arts. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
| 1987 | Real People in the Middle Ages: Donor Portraits in Illuminated Manuscripts. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
Conservation
| Date | Description | Narrative |
|---|---|---|
| 3/28/1985 | Treatment | re-housed |
| 12/8/2016 | Treatment | examined for exhibition; tears repaired |
Geographies
Germany, Cologne (Place of Origin)
Measurements
Overall H: 6 11/16 x W: 4 3/4 in. (17 x 12 cm); Folio H: 6 1/2 × W: 4 3/4 in. (16.5 × 12.1 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by Henry Walters
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
W.437
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Leaf from Aussem Hours: Seven Penitential Psalms, David Kneeling and Illusionistic Architecture in Margins
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Leaf from Aussem Hours: Prayer to the Three Magi, Foliate Initial "A" with Illusionistic Text and Jewels in Margins
Leaf from Aussem Horus: Prayer to Saint Peter, Saints Peter and Paul with Marginal Flowers and Insects
Leaf from Aussem Hours: Prayer to Saint Peter, Foliate Initial "O" with Marginal Flowers and Insects
Leaf from Aussem Hours: Prayer to Saint Erasmus, Martyrdom of Saint Erasmus
Leaf from Aussem Hours: Prayer to Saint Catherine, Saints Catherine and Barbara with Gold and Floral Marginal Decoration
