Book of Hours of Ferdinand II of Aragon

Book of Hours of Ferdinand II of Aragon

Although the modern unified country of Spain and the historic voyages of Columbus are the most famous legacies of King Ferdinand II of Aragon (1452–1516), he was also one of the most sophisticated rulers of his day. Raised from a young age by his ambitious mother to succeed his childless uncle as King of Aragon, Ferdinand II (1452–1516) was destined for greatness and was named after his paternal grandfather, who has been one of the greatest heroes in the history of the Reconquista. His own father regarded young Ferdinand as a child prodigy and by the age of eight the boy could supposedly beat both of his parents and other members of the court in chess and never lose. Ferdinand was also gifted with great physical prowess that enable him to distinguish himself as a warrior. However, for all of his grandness and despite already being a proven commander and shrew diplomat at the age of 17, he had a reputation for humility and respect toward the common people as well as for being magnanimous in victory.

Patron of Education

Although the instability and warfare of his youth did not allow Ferdinand the time to become a true man of letters, he never lost his appreciation for learning and devoted much of his later reign, when he was not fighting with successive kings of France over control of Italy, to the promotion of education. No less than six institutions of higher education were established during his reign with the University of Valencia, established in 1502, being foremost among them. Although a devout man personally, he was fairly liberal in comparison to his zealous wife and was above all a pragmatist who did not let religion dictate his policies. Ferdinand was in many ways the model of a Renaissance prince.

European Royalty and Books of Hours

Personalized books of hours were the most popular kind of manuscript during the Late Middle Ages, when book production and artistry reached its zenith. Intended to be carried on one’s person for use throughout the day when praying the Liturgy of the Hours or Divine Office. Created in the secular ateliers of artists for a mostly lay clientele and were also worn as luxurious accessories with elaborate bindings attached to one’s person with decorative chains to display not only one’s piety, but one’s wealth and sophistication as well.
The most sumptuously adorned of these works were often commissioned by or for members of royal families, particularly monarchs like Ferdinand II. Even as the overall production of illuminated manuscripts waned during the 15th and 16th centuries due to the spread of the printing press, Europe’s wealthiest clients continued to patronize artists and workshops specializing in the production of luxuriously furnished and personalized manuscripts, books of hours being the most popular among them.