Item Info

Script: Gothic bookhand
Language: Latin; French (calendar and rubrics)
Folio Number: f. 183r
Source: Rare Book Department
Notes:

This historiated initial begins the Fifteen Os of St. Bridget. The prayers, which each deal with an aspect of Christ's suffering during his Passion, all begin with the word 'O', giving the group its name. The image in the first of the Os portrays a miracle from the life of St. Gregory, who while performing mass, witnessed the stigmatized Christ on the altar. The scene relates to the prayers, which contemplate Christ's suffering on the cross and his sacrifice that is reenacted at every mass.

This book of hours was most likely made in the Flemish town of Mons, in the province of Hainaut, as the calendar includes feast days for saints particular to Mons, including Waudru, a saint from the town and for whom the monastery in Mons was dedicated, her sister St. Aldegund, and her husband St. Vincent. Special prayers to Waudru and Vincent are also included.

Notes: Initial O with the Mass of St. Gregory
Notes: This manuscript can be dated to ca. 1460-1470.
Sirsi Catalog Key: 1606295
Country: Country:Flanders
City/Town/Township:Hainault

Creation Year (Single Year or Range Begin): 1475
Image Dimensions Width: 210 mm
ShelfMark: Lewis E 104