Willelm Vrelant Book of Hours

The life of Christ stands at the center of the manuscript’s enchanting miniatures. The Annunciation, the birth in the manger in Bethlehem, and a Lamentation scene are recorded inter alia in admirable, fine painting. A highpoint of these primary miniatures is the terrific depiction of the Madonna with child under gorgeous cupola architecture, surrounded by a choir of four musical angels. All of these scenes are imbedded in a Flemish landscape and today they transmit the charm that the illumination must have had for the 15th century beholder.

A Masterful Miniaturist

Willem Vrelant (1410.1481) is considered to be the creator of these gorgeous miniatures. Vrelant is regarded as one of the most successful and influential miniaturists of his time. He was active in Bruges and completed commissions for Duke Philip the Good of Burgundy inter alia. The grandiose style of 15th century Flemish illumination, one of the undisputed high points in the history of illumination, can be retraced with the aid of his art!

Ornamented Pages Shining Like Gold

The so-called Vrelant Book of Hours, stored today in the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana in Florenz, is an impressive testimonial to his art. The 384 pages of the manuscript are illuminated throughout and adorned with 23 full-page miniatures and gorgeous monumental frames. Colorful, golden, fine floral ornamentation, permeated with figurative depictions of animals, angels, and fantastic creatures decorate the pages. Additionally, the typical calendar pages are designed in a particularly impressive manner, each with two figurative scenes of the course of the agricultural year and the signs of the zodiac, respectively.

The Mystery Surrounding the Patron

The manuscript originated from the years 1455–60 and was presumably the wedding gift of a French patron. This is indicated by the depiction of a female figure in prayer, perhaps the owner of this private prayer and devotional book. The Spanish infant Maria Luisa, Queen of Etruria, bequeathed the book of hours to the Library of Florence in the year 1806. It is for this reason that the book of hours is also known as the Libro d’Ore di Maria Luisa di Borbone.