Book of Hours of the Weaving Virgin

Book of Hours of the Weaving Virgin

The name of this marvelous books of hours can be traced back to an unusual depiction: a miniature of the Madonna sitting at a loom. The so-called Book of Hours of the Weaving Virgin is a gorgeous manuscript from the mid–15th century. The impressive book decoration stylistically points to Paris as the place of origin. 15 superb miniature pages adorn the Book of Hours of the Weaving Virgin, each with a potpourri of filigree tendril ornamentation, gorgeous initials, and a large, central miniature. The impressive quality of the paintings demonstrates the outstanding position of this manuscript among the works of the golden age of French illumination!

Maria at a Loom

Folio 91 of the book of hours presents a magnificent miniature, which follows an unusual iconography: a depiction of the Virgin Mary weaving. Mary sits with her flowing, luminous blue dress on a weaving stool, looking out directly at the beholder. The scene unfolds under a refined arched construction and the Madonna also sits under a splendid red baldachin. This scene of the weaving Virgin, deeply immersed in her work, lends the manuscript its name.

Additional Superb Paintings

Manuscript 15452 of the Museo de la Fundación Lázaro Galdiano in Madrid delights with its remaining miniatures and other book decoration as well. Exceedingly broad decorative frames surround the 15 magnificent full-page miniatures. The filigree tendril ornamentation around a central miniature in a round-arch frame is occasionally complimented by an additional, second ornamentally-designed frame directly around the miniature. A grandiose initial in the respective lines of text concerning the illustration round out the impression of numerous decorative elements. Even the pages of text are superbly bright and entertaining, but also tastefully designed with initials, tendril bordures, and decorative elements in the lines of text.

Typical and Extravagant

This magnificence on 365 pages of parchment arose ca. 1450 in Paris. Therefore, the Book of Hours of the Weaving Virgin is a worthy attestation of the golden age of French illumination! Precious gold leaf lends the book decoration an even greater aura of magnificence. Alongside a calendar, the Office of the Dead, the Penitential Psalms, and other typical content, the Book of Hours of the Weaving Virgin additionally contains some unusual prayers. This manuscript is an all-around impressive attestation of 15th century illumination.