Torriani Book of Hours

In the Château de Chantilly Library there is a small codex that, despite its small size of 8 x 6 cm, represents one of the museum’s greatest treasures. The Torriani Book of Hours is a small jewel of a book that captivates through its rich pictorial decoration and its impressively wrought binding. The prayer book contains six splendid, full-page miniatures and an additional 24 pages with elaborate decoration. Especially worthy of note is the binding of the original work, which remains intact to this day. This is only the case with a few codices from the 15th century.

Renowned Book Artists

The small booklet, which was commissioned by a member of the Renaissance Torriani family for private devotion, was probably designed in Milan. The book adornment of the work can be ascribed to the work of the artist studio of Giovanni Ambrogio de Predis. The renowned painter’s shop revolving around the famous master was markedly influenced by the Lombard art of the 15th century. Especially the painting of Leonardo da Vinci, with whom de Predis worked on the design of the “Virgin of the Rocks,” exerted great influence on the illuminators. The artist Matteo de Milano was responsible for the naturalistic borders of the book pages. He furnished the borders of the book with depictions of blooming flower motifs, small animals, as well as precious jewels and noble stones. Matteo was one of the most popular Milanese miniaturists and was employed by some of the most famous houses of the Italian Renaissance.

Fascinating Book Adornment

The pictorial cycle of the high-quality illuminated manuscript consists of 30 gorgeously colored miniatures in various sizes. 12 pages of the work are dedicated to an exceptionally designed calendar. 18 additional miniatures illustrate the Office of the Virgin, which is concerned with a Liturgy of the Hours for the glories of the Mother of God. Six complete images of the Office of the Virgin show dramatic scenes from the life and sufferings of Jesus Christ. The images enchant through their charming color scheme and their accompanying dramatic composition. In addition to the full-sized pictures, the book of hours is adorned with 12 large, historicized initials, which show architectural elements of fantastical buildings and are decorated with flowering tendrils, small angelic figures, and beasts. The magnificent impression of the small gem was completed through the gilded and elaborately-wrought silver binding. The gleaming book cover is set with precious noble stones and contains small enameled reliefs of biblical motifs. The Torriani Book of Hours represents a perfect example of Renaissance Milanese book art in every regard.