Book of Hours for Sarum Use (Mostyn Hours)

Due to required maintenance, some galleries and artwork may be off view. Learn more

Views:

1/2

Currently not on view

Book of Hours for Sarum Use (Mostyn Hours)

c. 1470

Artist/maker unknown, British

In the late thirteenth century, with the emergence of a middle class made wealthy through commerce and a corresponding increase in literacy, a new form of book became popular, the book of hours. These prayer books for lay persons were based on those used by members of the religious orders but generally contained greatly reduced and simplified texts.

A book of hours was devoted primarily to the veneration of the Virgin Mary, and included a calendar and prayers chosen according to local usage or personal taste. Although the book was organized around prayers that were appropriate to various hours of the day (hence its name), it was mostly used in the morning and during Mass. In addition to its religious functions, a book of hours, which was often the only book a family owned, was also used to teach children to read.

While most books of hours were simple in appearance, the volumes most admired today are lavishly illustrated. Such books were made commercially by both monastic communities and secular scribes, illuminators, and ink and parchment makers. Their illustrations, or illuminations, besides being pleasing to the eye, served as introductions to sections of the text as well as aids to meditation.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Book of Hours for Sarum Use (Mostyn Hours)

Date:

c. 1470

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, British

Medium:

Gold and tempera on vellum

Dimensions:

Book (approximately): 6 1/8 × 4 1/2 × 2 3/8 inches (15.6 × 11.4 × 6 cm)

Classification:

Drawings

Credit Line:

The Philip S. Collins Collection, gift of Mrs. Philip S. Collins in memory of her husband, 1945

Accession Number:

1945-65-6

Geography:

Made in England, Europe Probably made in London, England, Europe

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Currently not on view

More like this:

1/12