Curio

State Library of New South Wales
Book of Hours

Book of Hours

c1450s–1500
Manuscript
Bequest of Sir William Dixson, 1952
SAFE/ 4/ 1

The Book of Hours was most likely produced in Paris in the second half of the 15th century. Key Saints Days in the calendar are highlighted in red, hence the term ‘red letter days’. The opposite page is decorated with a full border of acanthus-leaf sprays and flowers.

On a medieval manuscript, all pictures, small or large, are referred to as miniatures. The word is derived from ‘minium’, the lead used in red paints.

Historiated initials are letters that have been embellished or illustrated with a historical scene or event described within the text.