The Book of Hours of Isabella I of Castile, Queen of Spain

The Book of Hours of Isabella I of Castile, Queen of Spain

Elaborately decorated prayer books were special books personalized for their owners. They were intended to be held in the hand and admired for their delicate illuminations while guiding the reader through daily devotions. Owning and using such a book showed that piety along with wealth and status. Books such as this are renowned for the decoration of their borders, which feature a variety of realistically painted birds, flowers, and butterflies. This one was given by Juana Enríquez, mother of King Ferdinand II, King of Aragon, to her daughter-in-law Queen Isabella.

Within the deluxe facsimile the original image program is completely copied with 40 full-page miniatures, 10 half-page miniatures, and 24 calendar medallions. The facsimile replicates on the exterior the blue leatherette binding decorated with gold furniture and Isabella the Catholic’s coat of arms and on the interior the ink and tempera paint as well as the gilding.

Original: Alexander Bening; Master of the First Prayer Book of Maximilian, Gerard David; Master of James IV of Scotland; Master of the Prayer Books of around 1500; Ghent Associates

William Vrelant

Facsimile: UNT Special Collections Library, Call Number: BX2080.A35 I83 1991
Original MS: Madrid, Biblioteca del Palacio Real

Faksimile Verlag, Munich

Facsimile: 1991
Original MS: c. 1497-1500

Facsimile Editor: Cesar Olmos Pieri

Munich, Faksimile Verlag

Cantigas de Santa María Alfonso X el Sabio

20 x 14 cm

Facsimile: Latin

Book of Hours

A personal, portable devotional book, used for daily prayer and psalm recitation.

Bruges, Gothic, Northern Renaissance, c. 15th century

Prepared by Meghan Holmes and Jennifer Boatner