Book of Hours, use of Rouen
Medieval ManuscriptsItem Info
Language: Latin; Calendar, some rubrics and prayers in French
Folio Number: ff. 5v-6r
Source: Rare Book Department
Notes: Calendars in books of hours were primarily used to keep track of the feast days of the church. While most of the feast days are written in blue and red ink in this manuscript, the most important days are indicated with golden letters. We know that this book of hours was intended to be used by someone who lived in Rouen due to the appearance in the calendar of feast days celebrated only in that city, such as the feast of Saint Romain, the patron Saint of Rouen, which was celebrated on October 23 and is indicated here in gold.
Calendars in medieval books of hours were typically decorated with the zodiac signs and labors or activities appropriate to each month. Here, October is represented by the symbol of Scorpio and the labor of treading grapes to make wine. On the next page, November is represented by the symbol of Sagittarius and pigs thrashing for acorns.
Notes:
October and November
Sirsi Catalog Key:
1560478
Country:
Country:France
City/Town/Township:Rouen
Creation Year (Single Year or Range Begin):
1499
Image Dimensions Width:
187 mm
ShelfMark:
Lewis E 125