The “Signed Hours” (Use of Rome)
This illuminated manuscript on parchment, an example of a Book of Hours, has been written in both Latin and French. This illustration features a depiction of the Virgin Mary. Mary, who is shown reading, served as a model for women of the time. Books of Hours were a popular gift for a bride and acted as a prayer and family book. They were also used as a tool to teach children to read.
Book of Hours opened to an illustrated page, featuring a depiction of the Virgin Mary reading