Medieval History
During the Middle Ages, books of hours were more popular than any other text, even the Bible. These intricately illustrated devotional texts began to appear around 1250 and contained a series of psalms meant to be read at eight specific hours of the day, hence their name. Hymns, lessons, and biblical readings were rendered with varying degrees of color and ornamentation. The books were widely owned in Europe until their use was prohibited by the church in the 16th century. Today, says dealer Sam Fogg, of London, books of hours are ?almost the only way you can acquire medieval painting that looks like it was when it was new, with the colors still glowing and the gold still shining.?
Where to Find
?People aren?t aware that you can just buy these things,? says Timothy Bolton, deputy director of Western medieval manuscripts at Sotheby?s London. Experts estimate that approximately 100 books of hours change hands every year at auction or through a dozen or so private dealers. ?Of all the types of manuscripts extant from the Middle Ages, books of hours are easiest to acquire, because so many remain in private hands,? notes Sandra Hindman, owner of Les Enluminures, a gallery in Chicago, Paris, and, as of this month, New York, that specializes in the books.
Click here to read this article from Blouin Artinfo
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Medieval History
Illuminating the Surprisingly Accessible Market for Medieval Books of Hours
Where to Find
?People aren?t aware that you can just buy these things,? says Timothy Bolton, deputy director of Western medieval manuscripts at Sotheby?s London. Experts estimate that approximately 100 books of hours change hands every year at auction or through a dozen or so private dealers. ?Of all the types of manuscripts extant from the Middle Ages, books of hours are easiest to acquire, because so many remain in private hands,? notes Sandra Hindman, owner of Les Enluminures, a gallery in Chicago, Paris, and, as of this month, New York, that specializes in the books.
Click here to read this article from Blouin Artinfo
- Medieval Exhibition Spotlights Stanford Libraries' Manuscript Collection
For centuries, Bibles were painstakingly copied and lavishly illustrated, and then cherished from generation to generation. They became the focus of scholarly, creative and mystical activity for a millennium. You can trace the Bible's literary...
- Medieval Library With Chained Books Gets Annual Clean
It is like taking a step inside the restricted section of the Hogwarts' library - rows and rows of chained up books and manuscripts line the tall wooden shelves secured in place on thick metal rods. Hereford Cathedral's chained library dates back...
- Internet Archive Reaches Two Million Free Texts
The Internet Archive has announced that with the posting of the medieval manuscript, Homiliary on Gospels from Easter to first Sunday of Advent, they have now reached their 2,000,000th free digital text. Internet Archive has been scanning books and making...
- Medieval And Renaissance Manuscripts Go Up For Auction At Christie's
Over £11 million of illuminated manuscripts will be sold at auction in July, including many medieval and Renaissance masterpieces. Christie's has announced that they will be holding a sale of the Arcana Collection: Exceptional Illuminated Manuscripts...
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As a medievalist, I have gone through my studies with many unanswered questions regarding illuminated manuscripts. Text books can only take the intrepid scholar so far. What do the bindings look like? What does vellum actually feel to the touch, how does...