Intellectual and Material Currents: Within Europe and Beyond

The Book of Hours: A 16th Century Illuminated Manuscript. This particular illumination depicts a funereal procession accompanying the Book of Hours, a medieval "bestseller" that served as a portable prayer book as well as a notable status symbol. The Book of Hours served as a catalyst for the popularization of Christianity during the middle ages, helped by the mass print production of books in 15th and 16th century Europe. The type of Book of Hours one had was a major indicator of class hierarchy, with the more heavily illuminated and decorated manuscripts being much more expensive. Some manuscripts were custom-made upon the request of a patron – even the saints and illuminations were often relevant to the patron’s family or personal beliefs.

Le Roman de la Rose. One of hundreds of manuscripts of this poem, a seminal text in the history of medieval literature, and one of the most influential French texts of the period. This particular manuscript is not of the highest quality, but it does have some complex and strange illuminations.

Les Lamentations, Manuscript. A French Manuscript called Les Lamentations written by Matheolus, a member of the French clergy born in approximately 1320. Jean Le Fevre translated this particular manuscript likely sometime in the first half of the 15th century. We know that because Le Fevre died in 1468, and the specific watermark on the manuscript’s paper suggests it was produced either between 1401 and 1407 in Udine, Italy or in 1400 in Pise, Italy. According to the Hollis records, this manuscript of Les Lamentations is 32 centimeters and 162 leaves in total.

The Chronicle in Metre, Manuscript. This is a history of Scottish and English royalty, as written by John Hardyng and presented to King Edward IV. Notably, the history is in verse, and also includes maps of Scotland, genealogical trees, and letters exchanged between members of the English and Scottish royalty. Some of these letters will be proven to be forgeries later. The text also draws from Hardyng's own experiences, as a soldier, esquire, spy, and cartographer. The manuscript was originally owned by Bishop Thomas Percy, and then Charles William Hamilton Sotheby before being purchased by Harvard in part with Any Lowell funds.

Spiritus Sanctus. A combination of the secular and sacred in her own right. Hildegard von Bingen was a german composer, writer, scientist, visionary and much more. Her relevance as one of the most influential female composers of all time reinforces the notion of European Culture's persistance intellectually and musically throughout the Medieval Era.