Preces Propriae Singulis Horis Diei et Noctis

Preces Propriae Singulis Horis Diei et Noctis

This splendid book of hours originated long after such handwritten and illuminated works had been replaced by printed books with graphic woodcuts or copperplates. Although it has a Latin title, the text of this a Hungarian manuscript is written in German. It was created in a monastic community, a cloister to be more precise, and although the names of the nuns who made it are known, the precise place of origin is not. Nevertheless, it now resides in the Library of the Archabbey of Pannonhalma in northwestern Hungary, which has been its home since the third quarter of the 19th century. The manuscript’s whereabouts before then are unknown, aside from a note indicating that it was gifted by Abbess Maria Columba von Stadl to Sister Francisca de St. Aloysio von Lamberg in 1753.
The book of hours does contain some notes giving an unusual amount of information concerning its genesis: it was created in 1640 by members of the Order of Saint Claire, the texts were written by Sister Maria Anna von Thanhausen and were then illustrated by Sister Maria Leonora Jergerin, both of whom appear to have been working under the direction of Sister Beatrix. The codex’s current brown leather binding originates from the 18th century and sumptuously protects the tiny, gorgeous 5 x 7 cm manuscript.