Leaf from Aussem Hours: Prayer to Saint Erasmus, Martyrdom of Saint Erasmus
(Manuscripts and Rare Books)
This illuminated page comes from a sixteenth-century book of hours. The manuscript 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. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
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
Geographies
Germany, Cologne (Place of Origin)
Measurements
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.437.107V