Visconti Book of Hours

Visconti Book of Hours

The long tradition of Italian books of hours produced some treasures that still leave the beholder in astonishment and admiration today. The excellent Book of Hours of Gian Galeazoo Visconti represents a jewel of book art, which is unanimously judged today as the greatest feat among the manuscripts of the Italian Renaissance. The ostentatious work for private devotion contains fascinating book decoration in excess. It is adorned with 38 half- to full-page miniatures , 90 historiated initials, and outstanding marginal depictions.

The Rule of the Most Powerful of the Visconti

Gian Galeazzo Visconti was the most powerful scion of the famous dynastic family. He was known as a capable and economically minded head of state and was considered to be the richest prince of his time. The cornerstone ceremony of the Cathedral of Milan occurred in Gian Galeazzo’s name. He patronized education in Italy by financially subsidizing universities and donating libraries. Numerous famous works of art and precious illuminated manuscripts originated from the commission of the art-loving ruler. The prince’s famous book of hours represented the highpoint of his inestimably valuable book collection.

Two Masters, Two Artistic Epochs

The exceptionally rich illustrated prayer book was composed in two volumes. The first volume of the manuscript was designed by the famous illuminator Giovanni de Grassi in collaboration with a few of his most talented students. The artists began with work on the manuscript ca. 1390. They had only been able to complete a few pages of the first volume when de Grassi died unexpectedly in the year 1402. Work on the codex was first resumed in the year 1412. Anonymous artists realized the design of the work based on the example of the remaining sketches of the deceased master. The second volume of the monumental document was made by a gifted illuminator by the name of Belbello da Pavia. The masterpiece was completed after 1428.

Unmistakable Style

The magnificent manuscript enchants with its unbelievable creative variety. 34 pages of the work are embellished with full-page illustrations. The pages show dainty depictions of biblical motifs in outstandingly vivid colors. Some of the pictures have a golden background. Splendid marginal embellishments of flowers and plant tendrils frame the miniatures. Giovanni de Grassi’s style is unmistakable. Employing transparent and intensive colors, some of them somewhat muffled, or rather diffusely lit, he created storybook landscapes with highly naturalized scenery. His successors attempted to duly model the art of the great master in this manuscript. The miniatures of Belbello de Pavia also distinguish themselves through their unmistakable style. His art is characterized by a loving richness of detail and by images of the finest jewels and valuables.