Artwork

Horae Beatae Mariae Virginis

Horae Beatae Mariae Virginis, by Unknown, unspecified, 1550
Horae Beatae Mariae Virginis, by Unknown, unspecified, 1550

Horae Beatae Mariae Virginis is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Unknown. It dates from 1550 and is held in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum.

About this work

Overview

Horae Beatae Mariae Virginis is a painting depicting a single, elaborately decorated page from a Book of Hours, a type of medieval devotional book. The page features a list of prayers in Latin, surrounded by ornate marginalia.

Subject & Meaning

The subject matter revolves around Christian devotion, specifically honoring the Virgin Mary. The prayers in Latin and the illustration of a woman (likely Mary) holding a book underscore the theme of pious reflection and reverence for Mary.

Technique & Style

The painting exhibits a contrast in styles: formal, cursive script with precise spacing for the text, and a delicate, soft-colored approach for the floral and leafy borders. The small, detailed illustration of the woman in a circle combines intricacy with restraint.

Context

Created in the context of medieval religious practices, this painting reflects the tradition of illuminated manuscripts, where aesthetic embellishments enhanced the spiritual significance of the text.

Legacy

As a representation of a Book of Hours page, it preserves the artistic and devotional practices of its time, offering insight into medieval spirituality and manuscript illumination techniques.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

Brooklyn Museum

Museum

Brooklyn Museum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Brooklyn Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.