book of hours

book of hours form of prayer book developed in the 14th cent. from the prayers of clerics appended to the main service. The subjects of the miniature illustrations (see miniature painting ) were frequently derived from the appendix of the Psalter. The book of hours served as a devotional work containing various prayers and meditations appropriate to seasons, months, days of the week, and hours of the day. Many such books are masterpieces of illumination and were symbols of refinement and wealth in fashionable houses of the 15th cent. Jean, duc de Berry, was among the most renowned collectors of books of hours, and his Très Riches Heures (Musée Condé, Chantilly), illustrated in part by the Limbourg brothers (c.1415), is among the greatest achievements in this genre.

book of hours Book containing the prescribed order of prayers, rites for the canonical hours and readings from the Bible. Such books, developed in the 1300s, were often lavishly decorated by miniaturists and served as status symbols. The most celebrated book of hours to survive is the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry (1413–15), illustrated in part by the Limbourg brothers.

Book of Hours. A medieval prayer book used by laymen for private devotion, containing prayers or meditations appropriate to certain hours of the day, days of the week, months, or seasons. This type of book originated around 1300 and replaced the psalter as the most popular prayer book for secular use; a great many examples survive (outnumbering all other types of illuminated manuscript) and from the late 15th century there were also printed versions illustrated by woodcuts. Most Books of Hours are small and easily portable, but more luxurious examples were made for major patrons; the most famous example is the Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry (Mus. Condé, Chantilly), illuminated by the Limbourg brothers for Jean, Duc de Berry.