Book of Hours

This Book of Hours was likely produced in Bruges ca. 1480-90, as evinced by the saints in the calendar. The provenance is not certain, however, as Bayeux and St. Riquier are also attested by the litany and usage of the Office of the Dead. The book's lavish full-page miniatures in black-grisailles, as well as the facing opening of the Hours, are enframed with foliate borders and drolleries, and have been attributed to the circle of Willem Vrelant and the so-called Master of the Black Prayerbook. Gold was employed for the details of the illuminations, bringing light to the monochrome scenes. Similarly, the text is enlightened by gold-speckled large initials for the opening of each of the Hours, and small ones for minor divisions of the text throughout the manuscript.

Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object.

Unknkown owner, Leuven, Belgium, mid 16th century [1]. Purchased by Henry Walters, Baltimore, early 20th century; by bequest to Walters Art Museum, 1931.

[1] Partially effaced inscription on fol. 1r in brown ink: "... Lovanii"