Prayer Book of Philip II

Prayer Book of Philip II

The Prayer Book of Philip II was created in the scriptorium of the Royal Monastery of El Escorial for Philip II. The manuscript contains 45 miniatures with decorated borders of architectures, animals, and floral motifs throughout. The luxury of the court of Philip II is conveyed through the use of gold embellishment. The Mannerist painter, Giulio Clovio, inspired the illuminators of the Royal Monastery.

This facsimile provides a glimpse into the decadent Mannerist courtly style of King Philip II of Spain. Although the facsimile does not use actual parchment, the texture of the paper mimics the look and feel of the original parchment. The book is bound in red velvet, with an authentic reproduction of the exterior silver furniture, which acts to replicate the weight of the prayer book with its silver.

Original MS: Andrés de León, Julián de la Fuente el Saz, Martín de Palencia

Facsimile: UNT Special Collections Library, Call Number: BX2080.A35 P55 1570a
Original MS: San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Real Biblioteca del Monasterio, MS Vitrina 2

Madrid: Testimonio Compañia Editorial

Facsimile: 1995
Original MS: c. 16th century

Commentary: Martín González, J.J., Ruiz Asencio, J.M.

Testimonio Compañia Editorial

Book of Hours of Queen Isabella of Spain

33.3 x 23 cm

Facsimile: Latin
Commentary: Spanish

Private Devotion Books

Book of Hours, Illuminated Manuscript

Spain, Renaissance, c. 16th century

Prepared by Meghan Holmes