Small Book of Hours of Philip II

Small Book of Hours of Philip II

In 1882, a wonderful discovery was made in the bowels of the Museo Arqueológico Nacional in Madrid: a small gem of late medieval illumination originating from France sometime between 1525 and 1550 in the Workshop of the Hours of 1520. Today, the tiny manuscript represents a highlight of the museum’s collection. The codex is attributed to the Master of the Getty Epistles and, measuring only 5 x 7.7 cm but comprising 304 pages altogether, it is the smallest manuscript produced by this atelier. Often referred to as the Diminuto Devocionario or Tiny Devotion, the manuscript is actually part of the rich tradition of the book of hours. It is believed to have made its way to Spain in the possession of Elisabeth de Valois (1545–68), third wife and queen consort of King Philip II of Spain (1527–98). The 12 miniatures in the codex are of high artistic value as evidenced by the refinement of the artistry, including the frames, and the delicate color palette. A true-to-original blue leather binding features an embossed diamond pattern and gold stars. The manuscript stands today as a wonderfully preserved specimen attesting to the influence of the Italian Renaissance in France.