Spinola Hours Journal

The cover of this large softcover journal is based on a page of the Spinola Hours, one of the most visually sophisticated 16th-century Flemish manuscripts. Displaying astounding naturalistic illusionism, the book is richly illuminated, as seen in the page reproduced here.

This 7" x 9" journal with 176 pages has a ribbon marker in a coordinating color chosen to complement the cover and has an accordion-style memento pouch inside the back cover.

The binding boards are 100% recycled; the pages are acid-free FSC certified paper. The binding is Smyth-sewn, a traditional technique that results in a sturdy yet flexible book.

The primary illustrator of the Spinola Hours was the Master of James IV of Scotland, but he collaborated with several artists to produce the illuminations in the manuscript.  The originality of his work can be seen in the startling illusions present in the miniatures. The book was undoubtedly commissioned for a wealthy patron, perhaps Margaret of Austria, for whom The Master produced other works. In the 1700s the book belonged to the Spinola family in Genoa, from whom it takes its name.

This book of hours, currently in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum, contains a calendar of Church holidays, hours, offices, and masses, as well as prayers, hymns, and readings, all providing possibilities for detailed illustrations.

176 pages; Lined; Width 7", Height 9", Depth ¾"; Elastic band closure.