Description
The litany of the saints is among the most ancient and emotional Christian liturgical texts, dating in the West to at least the AD 400s. In a book of hours, the litanies is a list of saints’ names expressed in hierarchical order and individual rank. These names were recited rhythmically as invocations, followed each time by Ora pro nobis (Pray for us). In this way, saints were called upon by sinners seeking forgiveness and salvation.
The bas-de-page (lower margin), features an ape hunting wild boars: both animals were symbolic of vice and lust. Perhaps deriving from a fable, the scene could be amusing or diversionary, but it was likely instructive for the medieval owner of the book.
The bas-de-page (lower margin), features an ape hunting wild boars: both animals were symbolic of vice and lust. Perhaps deriving from a fable, the scene could be amusing or diversionary, but it was likely instructive for the medieval owner of the book.
Provenance
[Sotheby's, London, 3 July 1984, lot 127] (3 July 1984); [Bruce Ferrini, Akron, OH, sold to Jeanne Miles Blackburn] (1984-); [Graton and Graton, Evanston, Ill.]; Jeanne Miles Blackburn, Maitland, Fl, gifted to the Cleveland Museum of Art (-2006); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio (2006-)
Accession Number
2006.13
Medium
ink, tempera and liquid gold on vellum
Dimensions
Each leaf: 18.1 x 12.9 cm (7 1/8 x 5 1/16 in.)
Classification
Manuscript
Credit Line
The Jeanne Miles Blackburn Collection
