Visconti Book of Hours
The Visconti Book of Hours was commissioned by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, who ruled Milan as duke from 1351–1402 and inter alia laid the foundation for Milan Cathedral. His love of books originated with his wife Isabella, the sister of Jean Duc de Berry. Visconti enlisted Giovannino de Grassi, one of the most talented painters of his time, to artistically decorate his magnificent Book of Hours. When the latter died, Belbello da Pavia continued the work, which was completed under Gian Galeazzo's son ca. 1430. The result was a two-volume masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance and one of the most valuable manuscripts of European illumination.
Visconti Book of Hours
The long tradition of Italian books of hours produced some treasures that still leave the beholder in astonishment and admiration today. The excellent Book of Hours of Gian Galeazoo Visconti represents a jewel of book art, which is unanimously judged today as the greatest feat among the manuscripts of the Italian Renaissance. The ostentatious work for private devotion contains fascinating book decoration in excess. It is adorned with 38 half- to full-page miniatures , 90 historiated initials, and outstanding marginal depictions.
The Rule of the Most Powerful of the Visconti
Gian Galeazzo Visconti was the most powerful scion of the famous dynastic family. He was known as a capable and economically minded head of state and was considered to be the richest prince of his time. The cornerstone ceremony of the Cathedral of Milan occurred in Gian Galeazzo’s name. He patronized education in Italy by financially subsidizing universities and donating libraries. Numerous famous works of art and precious illuminated manuscripts originated from the commission of the art-loving ruler. The prince’s famous book of hours represented the highpoint of his inestimably valuable book collection.
Two Masters, Two Artistic Epochs
The exceptionally rich illustrated prayer book was composed in two volumes. The first volume of the manuscript was designed by the famous illuminator Giovanni de Grassi in collaboration with a few of his most talented students. The artists began with work on the manuscript ca. 1390. They had only been able to complete a few pages of the first volume when de Grassi died unexpectedly in the year 1402. Work on the codex was first resumed in the year 1412. Anonymous artists realized the design of the work based on the example of the remaining sketches of the deceased master. The second volume of the monumental document was made by a gifted illuminator by the name of Belbello da Pavia. The masterpiece was completed after 1428.
Unmistakable Style
The magnificent manuscript enchants with its unbelievable creative variety. 34 pages of the work are embellished with full-page illustrations. The pages show dainty depictions of biblical motifs in outstandingly vivid colors. Some of the pictures have a golden background. Splendid marginal embellishments of flowers and plant tendrils frame the miniatures. Giovanni de Grassi’s style is unmistakable. Employing transparent and intensive colors, some of them somewhat muffled, or rather diffusely lit, he created storybook landscapes with highly naturalized scenery. His successors attempted to duly model the art of the great master in this manuscript. The miniatures of Belbello de Pavia also distinguish themselves through their unmistakable style. His art is characterized by a loving richness of detail and by images of the finest jewels and valuables.
Codicology
- Alternative Titles
- Libro d'Ore Visconti
El libro de Horas Visconti
Stundenbuch der Visconti - Size / Format
- 2 volumes - 636 pages / 25.0 × 17.9 cm
- Origin
- Italy
- Date
- Around 1390, completed after 1428
- Epochs
- Style
- Genre
- Language
- Illustrations
- 34 full-page miniatures, numerous half-page miniatures, historiated initials and marginal illustrations
- Patron
- Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Duke of Milan (reigned 1351–1402), and Filippo Maria Visconti, Duke of Milan (reigned 1412–1447)
- Artist / School
- Giovannino de' Grassi (d. 1398), Luchino Belbello da Pavia (active 1434–1462) and others (illuminators)
Brother Amadeus (scribe) - Previous Owners
- Dukes of Visconti di Modrone
Baron Horace Landau
Madame Hugo Finaly
Visconti Book of Hours
”O” Initial – The Toil of Adam and Eve
This splendid historiated initial is surrounded by a blue-gold checkered background and four red dragons. “Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them. Then the Lord God said, ‘Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever’— therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken.” (Gen. 3:21-23)

Visconti Book of Hours
God Confronts Eve
“And the Lord God said to the woman, ‘What is this you have done?’ The woman said, ‘The serpent deceived me, and I ate.’” (Gen 3:13). This magnificent historiated initial depicts Eve after she and Adam have eaten of the forbidden fruit and earned God’s wrath. In shame of her nakedness, Eve covers herself with a handful of leaves and points to the deceitful serpent with a human face.
Six Visconti shields mounted on a green Gothic architecture flank the miniature. Two white doves are caged in the red and blue columns that line the right and left margins. The bas de page miniature portrays a cherub with gold leaf wings sitting on the back of a lion, holding the beast’s mane with his left hand as he prepares to strike with a dagger in his right.

#1 Libro d'Ore Visconti
Language: Italian
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