"THE HOURS of CATHERINE of CLEVES",
only 7½ × 5⅛ inches,
is an ornately illuminated manuscript in the Gothic art style,
produced in about 1440 by the anonymous Dutch artist
known as the Master of Catherine of Cleves.
It isconsidered one of the most lavishly illuminated manuscripts to survive from the 15th century,
and described as one of the masterpieces of Northern European illumination.
The gilt 'almond' shape enclosing the Madonna and Child
represents the intersection of two spheres -
that of the heavens and that of the earth.
This book is decorated with 157 colorful and gilded illuminations,
and contains the usual offices, prayers and litanies in Latin, along with supplemental texts.
Disappearing for about 400 years,
"The Hours of Catherine of Cleves" reappeared in 1856 -
but having been divided into two parts, and with missing leaves.
The two sections have now been joyfully restored and reunited,
as the 'almond' depicted within.
They reside again 'as one' at the Morgan Library and Museum, New York City.
And just as this glorious manuscript, may many such 'separations'
be joyfully restored and reunited for us all
during this Christmas season.
Millicent Creech
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