In the summer of 2010, a private customer – formerly the CEO of a large German health insurance company – had his favorite book, a French Book of Hours from 1896, given a new gemstone cover.
That was a very special order for us. Our bibliophile Customer visited several times our studioto coordinate all the details of the new book cover with us.
Eventually he settled on a Gothic style book cover with a medieval one Filigree and very large rock crystals on the fitting corners.
A total of 40 genuine cultured pearls, 4 large rock crystals, 4 beryls, 4 rose quartz and 6 genuine rubies were processed. The book cover and the book clasps are gilded with 24-carat fine gold.
The magnificent volume has 2 additional book clasps, each with a ruby and 4 cultured pearls.
The Gothic-style “ivory panel” in the middle of the front cover depicting the Adoration of the Magi was created using techniques commonly used today for professional museum copies: from a special synthetic resin with mineral pigments and a final patination (including the typical aging cracks of antique ivory).
After a few weeks, our book lover was finally able to receive his favorite book again. His visible emotion was an additional reward for us for this wonderful and extremely exciting project.
Interesting Facts about French Books of Hours
The French Book of Hours is one of the most fascinating and significant artifacts of medieval book art. They served as personal prayer books and were extremely common in the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance. A Book of Hours, also known as a "Book of Hours," was designed specifically for the private devotion of lay people, offering them a way to participate in the liturgical practices of the church. These books typically contained a collection of prayers, psalms, and devotions organized according to the canonical hours of the day—hence their name. French Books of Hours are notable for their exceptional artistic design, the diversity of their content, and their role as an expression of piety and status symbol.
The origins of the Books of Hours can be traced back to the 13th century, but they reached their peak in the 14th and 15th centuries, particularly in France. Produced at a time when Christianity dominated all aspects of people's lives, they provided a structured form of daily devotion. The core of each Book of Hours was the so-called "Office of the Virgin Mary" (Officium Beatae Mariae Virginis), a series of prayers and psalms dedicated to the Mother of God. These texts were supplemented by other sections in the Book of Hours, including the calendar of saints' feasts, the penitential psalms, the Offices of the Dead, and individual prayers and litanies.
The French books of hours are particularly known for their elaborate illuminations that framed and complemented the text. Book painting experienced a remarkable development, and France became a leading center of this art form. The illustrations in a book of hours were far more than mere decoration; they served to promote the piety of the readers by showing scenes from the Bible, the lives of the saints or symbolic representations. The miniatures, border decorations and initials were designed by skilled book painters who achieved impressive detail and color brilliance. Gilding, elaborate pigments and gold leaf gave the book of hours a radiant splendor and underlined its exclusive character.
The production of a book of hours was a complex and time-consuming process that required the collaboration of several specialists. First, the text was copied by a scribe onto parchment or fine calfskin. Then the book illustrators came into play, enriching the pages with artistic illustrations and ornaments. The book of hours was often provided by a bookbinder with precious bindings made of leather, velvet or even precious metals. Each copy was unique and could be tailored to the specific wishes and needs of the client.
Those who commissioned books of hours usually belonged to the nobility, the wealthy bourgeoisie or the clergy. In France, such books were an important status symbol, demonstrating not only the piety but also the wealth and cultural sophistication of the owner. A book of hours was often commissioned on the occasion of weddings or other important events and was decorated with coats of arms or personal dedications. Some of the most famous books of hours were created for members of the French royal family and high-ranking nobles, including the "Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry", which is considered a masterpiece of French book illumination. This exceptional work was created by the Limbourg brothers in the early 15th century and is characterized by its rich miniatures and detailed monthly calendars, which uniquely depict the rural and courtly life of the period.
The contents of the books of hours were not only liturgical, but also symbolic and personal. The calendar section, for example, offered an overview of important church and local holidays, while the penitential psalms encouraged readers to reflect and repent. The funeral services were an expression of the medieval preoccupation with death and the afterlife and offered prayers for the deceased. At the same time, individual prayers and dedications were added to many books of hours, reflecting the owner's personal beliefs and concerns. This gave the books a special intimacy and made them an indispensable companion in everyday life.
The artistic design of the French Books of Hours was closely linked to developments in medieval and early modern painting. Over the centuries, the style of the illustrations changed, with artists increasingly striving for realistic depictions. While the early Books of Hours contained more stylized and symbolic depictions, later works are characterized by their wealth of detail, naturalistic landscapes and lively figures. The artists experimented with perspective, light and shadow, creating miniatures that give the impression of three-dimensionality. This development reflects the influence of the Renaissance, which also revolutionized art in France.
Another remarkable aspect of French books of hours is the variety of their themes and motifs. In addition to biblical scenes and legends of saints, many books contain depictions of everyday life, allegorical motifs or even humorous details. The marginal decorations, which are often decorated with floral patterns, animals or mythical creatures, testify to the creativity and ingenuity of the book illustrators. These decorative elements give the books a playful lightness and contrast with the often serious religious texts.
In the late Middle Ages and early modern period, the Book of Hours gradually lost importance as the printing press revolutionized the production of books. Printed devotional books became more affordable and gradually replaced the handwritten Books of Hours. Nevertheless, many of the illuminated manuscripts survived, as they were valued for their artistic design and historical value. Today, French Books of Hours can be found in museums, libraries and private collections around the world and are preserved as cultural treasures.
The importance of French books of hours lies not only in their liturgical function, but also in their role as works of art and historical documents. They offer insight into the religious practices, social structures and aesthetic preferences of medieval France. At the same time, they are a testament to the extraordinary skills of medieval illuminators and scribes, whose works left a lasting mark on the history of book art. To this day, these magnificent books fascinate with their beauty, richness of detail and the stories they tell, and they remind us of how deeply art and religion were linked in medieval culture.