The Holy and Intimate Hours of the Middle Ages
Published on
Three unpublished illuminated books of hours that belonged to the same family for nearly three hundred years provide an opportunity to examine the art of the books in the 15th century. Book of Prayers of Guillaume Doulcet de Pontécoulant, c. 1470-1480, this miniature features an astonishing depiction of the burning of London in 1087 protected by Bishop Erckenwald blessing the city atop a belfry, 449 pp, 5.2 x 3.5 cm/2 x 1.37 in. Estimate: €30,000/40,000 Books of Hours, which became popular during the 15th century, are not rare, but often charged with particular emotions, both sacred and intimate. Forgotten for many
