Description
This Book of Hours was created ca. 1440 in Hainaut for a female patron with Cistercian connections, which is suggested by long devotional sequences focused on the Passion of Christ and the Virgin, including indulgences, a litany with Cistercian affiliation, and various references to a female suppliant. Two devotional texts written by various scribes in Latin and French were added to the front and back of the book ca. 1450-1600. At the end of the front devotional text, on fol. 6v, there are sewing holes and strong impressions of a variety of pilgrim badges. The manuscript contains eight full-page miniatures.

Book of Hours
Conservation
Date | Description | Narrative |
---|---|---|
12/26/2014 | Treatment | binding stabilized; examined for digitization; media consolidation; stabilized |
Exhibitions
- Illuminated Manuscripts: Masterpieces in Miniature. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1984-1985.
- Travel in Medieval Manuscripts. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1993.
Provenance
Created for unknown Cistercian female patron, Hainaut, ca. 1440. Owned by Gehoort Suster (?) de Grheuppize (?), 1583 [1]. Possibly owned by Leo S. Olschki, Florence [2]. Purchased by Henry Walters, Baltimore, early 20th century; by bequest to Walters Art Museum, 1931.
[1] Ownership entry on back pastedown: "Gehoort Suster (?) de Grheuppize (?)/ Christiaens Zone 1583"
[2] Ticket with "815" in blue crayon on front pastedown
Credit
Acquired by Henry Walters
Creator
- Flemish (Artist)
Period
ca. 1440Medium
ink and pigments on parchment bound between boards covered with leather(Manuscripts & Rare Books)
Accession Number
W.218Measurements
Folio H: 6 5/16 × W: 4 1/2 in. (16 × 11.5 cm)Geographies
- Belgium, Hainaut (Place of Origin)