National Library of Sweden, A 242
Book of Hours
Italy, Florence, 15th century, second half.
Parchment
i, 235, i' leaves
120 × 85 mm
Latin
Support
Foliation
Collation
Condition
Layout
Script
Textblock
Hand 1
Gothic textualis formata.Additions
Decorations
Textblock
Main text in brwon and black ink, rubrics in red.
All the major texts are opened by an historiated initial over 5 lines. The initials are painted either in pink or blue, with details in blue, pink, green and gold, with additional details in purple and white. The initials are placed on a gold background. The initials are surrounded by a full border consisting of flowers and leaves inhabited by putti, animals and vases. The borders are painted in the same colour scheme as the initial. The historiated motifs are painted in skintones, then mainly in gold, blue and pink. The frame of the first initial also features a coat of arms surrounded by two angels (See Origin). The motifs are: (f. 13r): Madonna and Child (Hours of the Virgin); (f. 104r): David with lyre (Seven penitential psalms); (f. 133r): Man of Sorrows (Major hours of the Holy Cross); (f. 166r): Death/Skeleton (Office for the dead); (f. 229r): Christ Carrying the Cross (Minor hours of the Holy Cross); (ff. 38r–94r), (ff. 143r–162r), (230bis–233v): Foliate chapter initials over 5 lines. These initials have the same shape and use the same colour scheme as the historiated initials. They are mainly used to introduce the hours. (ff. 1r–234r): Plain initials alternating in gold and blue over 1-2 lines with flourishing in red or blue. The flourishing often extends to frame the entire outer margin.
Binding
Modern binding in brown blind stamped leather. Clasp possibly of older date.
Origin
Italy, Florence, 15th century, second half. The calendar mentions the feast of the Transfiguration of Christ (f. 8r), which was instituted in 1457 and provides a terminus post quem for the manuscript. The place of origin is based on the coat of arms on f. 13r, which is believed to be that of the Florence-based Corsini family. Furthermore, saint Zenobius of Florence is listed in the calender and litany (f. 5v, f. 121v).
Provenance
Early provenance unknown. At some point during the late 19th/early 20th century the manuscript was acquired by Per Hierta.
Acquisition
Acquired by the National Library from the estate of Per Hierta in 1925.
- Gyllene böcker (1952), p. 91, no. 200.
- Illuminated Manuscripts (1963), p. 15.