Printed in a Parisian workshop for Ferrante d'Este: a masterpiece illuminated by Simon Vostre and an early testimony to French printing
Incunabular Book of Hours in Latin and French Illuminated for the Condotiere Ferrante d'Este
Paris (France) — 1496

Incunabular Book of Hours in Latin and French Illuminated for the Condotiere Ferrante d'Este
Paris (France) — 1496
A true masterpiece of early book printing, illuminated by Simon Vostre in Paris for Ferrante d’Este (1477–1540)
It was printed in the Parisian workshop of Philippe Pigouchet (active 1488–1518) on August 20th, 1496
It reflects the artistic transition from the Romanesque to the Gothic style during the 12th century

Incunabular Book of Hours in Latin and French Illuminated for the Condottiere Ferrante d'Este
Martyrdom of Saint John
Although most modern scholars agree that the author of the Book of Revelation was John of Patmos, during the Middle Ages it was still believed that it was the work of John the Evangelist, who wrote the Fourth Gospel. Medieval iconography concerning him is rooted in the apocryphal Acts of St. John, wherein he is martyred when plunged into a vat of boiling oil. Typically presented at the beginning of Apocalypse manuscripts, it is recreated here in a beautifully detailed and colored woodcut
Incunabular Book of Hours in Latin and French Illuminated for the Condotiere Ferrante d'Este
- Libro de Horas incunable, en latín y francés, Iluminado para el Condotiero Ferrante d'Este
- Inkunabel-Stundenbuch in lateinischer und französischer Sprache illuminiert für den Condottiere Ferrante d'Este
Short Description
The so-called Incunabular Book of Hours of Ferrante d’Este is a true masterpiece of early book-printing. This Heures à l´usage de Rome was made in the great tradition of illumination by Simon Vostre in Paris. The 190 pages of the book are pictorially adorned all over: 48 miniatures, 18 of them full-page, and 182 splendid frames with small image medallions constitute the lavish book adornment of this incunabula. The prints were wonderfully colored and accompany the text in two languages: Latin and French. The owner of this magnificent and precious edition was Ferrante d’Este, a scion of the famous noble family of Ferrara.
Incunabular Book of Hours in Latin and French Illuminated for the Condotiere Ferrante d'Este
The so-called Incunabular Book of Hours of Ferrante d’Esteis a true masterpiece of early book-printing. This book of hours adhering to the Roman liturgy was made in the great tradition of illumination by Simon Vostre in Paris. The 190 pages of the book are pictorially adorned all over: 48 miniatures, 18 of them full-page, and 182 splendid frames with small image medallions constitute the lavish book adornment of this incunabula. The prints were wonderfully colored and accompany the text in two languages: Latin and French. The owner of this magnificent and precious edition was Ferrante d’Este, a scion of the famous noble family of Ferrara.
A Masterpiece by Vostre and Pigochet
This impressive attestation of early printing is stored in the Spanish National Library in Madrid. The book of hours arose in the year 1496 in the Parisian workshop of Philippe Pigouchet – dated August 20th, 1496 exactly. Pigouchet was one of the most important French printers of the late 15th century and worked together with Simon Vostre. Simon Vostre, a significant book dealer and publisher, also produced this book of hours together with Pigouchet.
A Printed Book of Hours
This incunabular book of hours – the Heures à l´usage de Rome – originates from the greatest tradition of medieval manuscripts. It represents therewith a gorgeous connection between old and new, of the great book art of the Middle Ages and the innovative technique of book printing. The tradition of handwritten books of hours, as they had conventionally been for centuries, was continued in this way!
A Colorful Specimen for the Italian Nobleman
This specimen from the Spanish National Library was in the possession of Ferrante d’Este. Ferrante d’Este (1477–1540), the son of Ercole d’Este (1431–1505), the Duke of Ferrara, was descended from the significant Italian aristocratic family of Este. The masterful prints in his personal edition of the book of hours are gorgeously and elaborately colored. Additionally, the book of hours contains the text of the Psalms, prayers, and other content in two languages: French was also written down alongside the Latin text!
Decoration Rich with Imagery
Of the 190 pages of the incunabular book of hours, 48 are adorned with miniatures, 18 of them full-page. Additionally, 182 gorgeous and elaborate frames are worthy of mention, which adorn picture- and text-pages alike. The picture-pages are filled to capacity with figurative scenes and ornamentation. A large primary miniature in the middle is always surrounded by a broad frame, in which additional smaller scenes are integrated. Architectural elements and floral ornamentation build these frames, with which the pages of text are also elaborately adorned. The countless small scenes in compartmentalized paintings were colored with great skill.
Codicology
- Alternative Titles
- Libro de Horas incunable, en latín y francés, Iluminado para el Condotiero Ferrante d'Este
Inkunabel-Stundenbuch in lateinischer und französischer Sprache illuminiert für den Condottiere Ferrante d'Este - Size / Format
- 190 pages / 21.0 x 12.0 cm
- Origin
- Paris (France)
- Date
- 1496
- Epochs
- Style
- Genre
- Illustrations
- 48 illuminations, 18 of them full-page. 182 frames made up of over 1100 pieces of various sizes. Initials in indigo or crimson, capital letters touched with yellow
- Artist / School
- Philippe Pigouchet workshop
- Previous Owners
- Ferrante d'Este (1477–1540)

Incunabular Book of Hours in Latin and French Illuminated for the Condotiere Ferrante d'Este
Frontispiece
Although the shield is now painted over with the coat of arms of Ferrante d’ Este, the heraldic devices and worn paint in the banner below the miniature provide insight into its history. A wild, hairy-legged man and woman standing astride a pine tree was the symbol of Philippe Pigouchet, one of the most important early French engravers and printers, whose name is also revealed beneath the flaking gold-blue lettering.
The marginalia of this page is rendered with as much artistry as the primary image, with drolleries being a particularly delightful feature. Interspersed among the flowering tendrils, one finds winged dragons, beasts wearing human clothing, and apes riding goats and jousting with broomsticks on the backs of strange beasts.
1 available facsimile edition(s) of „Incunabular Book of Hours in Latin and French Illuminated for the Condotiere Ferrante d'Este“
Libro de Horas incunable, en latín y francés, del Condotiero Ferrante d'Este
- Publisher
- Millennium Liber – Madrid, 2008
- Limited Edition
- 995 copies
- Binding
- Leather with decoration in gold
- Commentary
-
1 volume by Julián Martín Abad
Language: Spanish - More Information
- Reproduction of the entire original document as detailed as possible (scope, format, colors). The binding may not correspond to the original or current document binding.
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