Artwork Page for Leaf from a Book of Hours: Initial D: Massacre of the Innocents (1 of 2 Excised Leaves)

Details / Information for Leaf from a Book of Hours: Initial D: Massacre of the Innocents (1 of 2 Excised Leaves)

Leaf from a Book of Hours: Initial D: Massacre of the Innocents (1 of 2 Excised Leaves)

c. 1300–1330
This object has related works. See
Measurements
Each leaf: 13 x 9.7 cm (5 1/8 x 3 13/16 in.)
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
?

Did You Know?

This page was part of the prayers for compline or the night prayer said at the end of the day before retiring, usually around 7 p.m.

Description

Books of Hours were Christian devotional books with texts, prayers and psalms for Christian devotion which were written primarily for laymen. They were popular in circles of the rich, educated nobility. Just like this leaf, which was probably made in France at the beginning of the 14th century, the pages of the Books of Hours often show elaborate decoration to invite the reader to take a closer look. After the great plague, individual piety flourished and the Book of Hours also experienced its heyday, especially in France and Flanders.
A vellum leaf in ink and tempera features Latin text in black and red ink. On the left, a large gold initial D depicts King Herod pointing at a soldier holding a nude child and raised sword while a woman kneels in prayer. A peacock perches atop the border, and a blue dog chases a brown rabbit along the bottom foliage. Fine decorative vines and gold leaf frame the composition on three sides.

Leaf from a Book of Hours: Initial D: Massacre of the Innocents (1 of 2 Excised Leaves)

c. 1300–1330

Northeastern France or Flanders

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork