Horae beatae marie secundum usum curie romane. [Black Book of Hours].

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Creator

Circle of Willem Vrelant (active Bruges, Belgium, 1454-1481)

Title

Horae beatae marie secundum usum curie romane. [Black Book of Hours].

Coverage

Bruges, Belgium

Date

[ca. 1458]

Subject

Illuminated manuscript on vellum painted black.

Description

Given the extreme rarity of books of hours illuminated on vellum stained or painted black, all dating from the second half of the 15th century, this manuscript is one of the most singular pieces in the exhibition. The text is in a careful gothic hand, executed in silver and gold ink. The coat-of-arms on the first leaf is that of Castile, and probably refers to María of Castile for whom the manuscript most likely was commissioned upon the death of her husband.

Dada la extrema rareza de los libros de horas iluminados sobre vitela teñida o pintada de negro, todos elaborados durante la segunda mitad del siglo XV, este manuscrito es una de las piezas más destacadas de la exposición. El texto está compuesto en una letra gótica, realizada con esmero en tinta plateada y dorada. El escudo de armas de la primera hoja es el de Castilla, y probablemente se refiera a María de Castilla, para quien posiblemente se encargara el manuscrito después del fallecimiento de su marido.

Source

The Hispanic Society Library & Museum