Book of Hours of Galeotto Pico della Mirandola

An outstanding example of Renaissance illumination is found in the book of hours named after the city of Mirandola, which originated between 1496 and 1499 in Mantua or Ferrara. Its 228 pages contain four full-page and seven smaller miniatures, which illustrate the text of the book for private devotion. Furthermore, it contains a calendar with pictures of the months and zodiac signs, six initials with scenic depictions, 85 initials in front of lovely landscapes, and an additional 37 initials with lively, extensive ornaments**. Galeotto Pico I (1442–1499), the Lord of Mirandola, probably commissioned the marvelous work from the Italian Renaissance painter Giovanni Francesco Maineri, who primarily worked for the Este family.

A Fanciful Variety of Ornaments

The numerous initials, which either come before a scenic background with idyllic landscapes or in combination with elegant golden leafy foliage are particularly inventive. With regard to the historiated initials, it is above all the combination of deep blue and shimmering gold that enchants the beholder. They either rest on a small piece of ground, chained to a barren tree, or are animated to walk by little figurines. The iridescent birds often play on the frames artistically formed from branches for the smaller representations in the lower margin of the page.

Glimmering Miniatures

The four full-page miniatures mark the division of the main sections, which they respectively preface. The scene with the personification of death, which almost casually supports one hand on the hip and holds the scythe on the shoulder in the other, is simultaneously fascinating and eerie. Looking directly at the observer, the skeleton only wears a sort of sash in a magnificent architectural interior that stretches behind it. The frames for this painting consist of numerous death’s heads and slithering snakes. The Annunciation scene with the Angel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary is more carefree. God the Father is above the main scene, and below that is Adam and Eve together with the Tree of Paradise. It's amazing how lavish the use of gold is in these book paintings. Found in ornaments, dresses, and drapery, as well as the background, it contributes significantly to the divine and precious overall impression of the Mirandola Book of Hours.