{"id":19354,"date":"2026-02-25T14:57:14","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T14:57:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/quaternio.ch\/?page_id=19354\/"},"modified":"2026-03-12T09:37:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T09:37:22","slug":"the-spinola-hours","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/quaternio.ch\/en\/facsimile-editions-manuscripts\/the-spinola-hours\/","title":{"rendered":"The Spinola Hours – Facsimile-Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_row padding_mobile=”off” column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax_method_1=”off” admin_label=”row” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/quaternio.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SPI_Header.jpg” alt=”Goldener Psalter von St. Gallen” title_text=”Goldener Psalter von St. Gallen” admin_label=”The Spinola Hours” _builder_version=”3.0.96″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – Haupt\u00fcberschriften GPS” _builder_version=”3.0.96″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”35px|||” use_border_color=”off”]<\/p>\n

The Spinola Hours
<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

The Crown Jewel of Flemish Book Illumination
<\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”15px||25px|” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|||” column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax_method_1=”off” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”row” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.0.96″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – Sprungnavigation GPS” _builder_version=”3.0.96″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off”]<\/p>\n

Manuscript<\/a> | Magnifying Glass<\/a> | Edition<\/a> | Browse<\/a> | Production <\/a> | Facsimile Folder<\/a> | Request brochure<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row padding_mobile=”off” column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – Teaser und ggf. Zitat GPS” _builder_version=”3.0.96″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”25px|||” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” use_border_color=”off”]<\/p>\n

The Masterpiece of Flemish Book Art
\n<\/em><\/span><\/h3>\n

Discover the Spinola Hours<\/em>, a seminal work of European art history and the absolute pinnacle of Flemish book illumination from the beginning of the sixteenth century.
\nCreated circa 1510\u20131520 in Ghent or Bruges, this magnificent manuscript unites the best of Late Gothic and Renaissance painting.
\nFor good reason, Thom Kren, former curator of manuscripts at the Getty Museum, described it as \u201cthe most visually ambitious and highly original Flemish manuscript\u201d of its age.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”19330,19336″ gallery_captions=”,” fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”Galerie – The Spinola Hours” _builder_version=”3.0.96″ pagination_font_size_tablet=”51″ pagination_line_height_tablet=”2″][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row disabled_on=”on|on|” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.0.96″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_divider color=”#eaeaea” show_divider=”on” height=”5″ disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ hide_on_mobile=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”||25px|” padding_mobile=”off” column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax_method_1=”off” admin_label=”row” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – SPRUNGZIEL anpassen und \u00dcberschrift %22Handschrift%22 PAD” _builder_version=”3.0.96″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off”]<\/p>\n

Faksimile-Edition<\/span><\/p>\n

The Spinola Hours: The Manuscript<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”||35px|” padding_mobile=”off” column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” admin_label=”row” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.0.96″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – Detailbild – ganze Seite (Code) PAD” _builder_version=”3.0.96″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off”]\"Detailbild\"<\/a>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”3.0.96″]<p style="text-align: center;">The Spinola Hours, fol. 1v<\/p>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – Kunst GPS” _builder_version=”3.0.96″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off”]<\/p>\n

Created by the very greatest masters
\n<\/em><\/span><\/h3>\n

A true “dream team” of book illumination created this incomparable work of art. Five of the most prominent artists, including the famous Master of James IV of Scotland (possibly Gerard Horenbout), worked on the 624-page codex.<\/p>\n

Their ingenious compositions, which integrate the text into the images in a unique way, and the imaginative borders make every single page a visual feast.<\/p>\n

Illusionistically painted birds, insects, and flowers seem to spring directly from the parchment. Not a single page remains without decorative ornament.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.96″][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.96″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_blurb title=”A Legendary History” _builder_version=”3.0.96″ header_level=”h3″ header_font=”||on||||||” header_font_size=”15″ body_font=”||||||||”]The sumptuous decoration points to a high-ranking patron such as Margaret of Austria.
\nThe book owes its name to the Genoese noble Spinola family, who owned it later.
\nAppearing as if from nowhere, it caused a sensation at a 1976 auction when it was sold for a record sum.
\nThe famous manuscript dealer H.P. Kraus secured this work and later sold it to the collectors Irene and Peter Ludwig.
\nToday, the original is one of the priceless highlights in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum. [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.96″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_blurb title=”A Homage of the Highest Perfection” _builder_version=”3.0.96″ header_level=”h3″ header_font=”||on||||||” header_font_size=”15″]With this strictly limited facsimile edition, Quaternio Verlag Luzern brings this unparalleled museum masterpiece directly into the world’s exclusive private collections.
\nOn 624 pages measuring 23.2 x 16.6 cm, all 88 vibrant miniatures and the countless gold-decorated pages are perfectly reproduced with exquisite detail.
\nThe fine, radiant gold, the vivid colors, and the luxurious hand-crafted leather binding\u2014modeled after the 16th-century original\u2014make this unique, timeless edition a truly sensory experience.[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.96″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/quaternio.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SPI_Getty-Museum-LA.jpg” alt=”The J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles” title_text=”The J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles” admin_label=”The J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles” _builder_version=”3.0.96″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row disabled_on=”on|on|” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.0.96″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_divider color=”#eaeaea” show_divider=”on” height=”5″ disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ hide_on_mobile=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – \u00dcberschrift %22Unter der Lupe%22 GPS” _builder_version=”3.0.96″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off”]<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Under the Magnifying Glass
\n<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”||35px|” padding_top_2=”18px” padding_left_2=”2px” padding_top_3=”18px” parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” parallax_method_3=”off” padding_2_tablet=”|||2px” padding_2_last_edited=”on|desktop” padding_3_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”row” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.96″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]

\"\"<\/a><\/div>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ padding_tablet=”|||2px” padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” padding_left=”2px” padding_top=”18px” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – Einordnung (Kunst) des Lupenbildes SPI” _builder_version=”3.0.96″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off”]Fol. 125v \u2013 Adoration of the Shepherds (attributed to the “Master of the Prayer Books of around 1500”)<\/p>\n

The scene is set in a dilapidated barn, whose damaged roof and missing side walls allow for wide views. The illuminator uses this architectural openness for a major design innovation: the landscape of the main image merges seamlessly into the border scenes. This device, which dissolves the rigid separation between the central field and the border, was first tested consistently here in the Spinola Hours<\/em>. It is a pioneering example of the development of a coherent, unified pictorial space in Flemish book painting.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” padding_top=”18px” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – Beschreibung des Lupenbildes SPI” _builder_version=”3.0.96″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off”]The marginal areas are further enriched by two narratively linked sub-scenes. To the left, a group of shepherds reverently receives the heavenly message, gazing up in awe at the descending angel. Even from a great distance \u2013 note the shepherd in the right border \u2013 the holy message is surely successfully received.
\nIn the lower border, the narrative continues joyfully: here, the shepherds are seen in a lively, spirited dance, cheered on by a bagpiper who vivaciously sets the beat for them. The detail is lovingly crafted: while even the sheepdog joins the celebration with joy, the sheep remain true to their nature and watch the spectacle with a deep sense of quiet and calm indifference.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row disabled_on=”on|on|” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.0.96″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_divider color=”#eaeaea” show_divider=”on” height=”5″ disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ hide_on_mobile=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”||25px|” padding_mobile=”off” column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax_method_1=”off” admin_label=”row” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – SPRUNGZIEL anpassen und \u00dcberschrift %22Edition%22 PAD” _builder_version=”3.0.96″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off”]<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Spinola Hours: The Edition
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”||35px|” padding_mobile=”off” column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” admin_label=”row” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/quaternio.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SPI_Edition.jpg” alt=”The Wigalois by Wirnt von Grafenberg, closed and open” title_text=”The Wigalois by Wirnt von Grafenberg, closed and open” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” admin_label=”Bild – Edition SPI” _builder_version=”3.0.96″ custom_padding=”35px|||” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” use_border_color=”off”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – Edition RCT” _builder_version=”3.0.96″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off”]<\/p>\n

The Manuscript and the Facsimile at a Glance<\/span><\/em><\/h3>\n

The Spinola Hours<\/em> (c. 1510\/20) is the quintessence of Flemish book art. Created by the five greatest artists of their time, it embodies the peak of illumination.<\/p>\n

Manuscript: <\/strong>Los Angeles, J. Paul Getty Museum, Ms. Ludwig LX 18<\/span>
Date of Origin: <\/strong>c. 1510\/20<\/span>
Place of Origin: <\/strong>probably Bruges or Ghent<\/span>
Format: <\/strong>approximately 23.2 x 16.6 cm<\/span>
Extent: <\/strong>624 pages (312 folios)<\/span>
Artists: <\/strong>Master of James IV of Scotland<\/em> (often identified as Gerard Horenbout), Master of the Prayerbook of Maximilian I<\/em>, Master of the Dresden Prayerbook<\/em>, the Master of the L\u00fcbeck Bible<\/em>, and the Master of the Prayerbooks of around 1500<\/em>.<\/span>
Patron: <\/strong>probably Margaret of Austria<\/span>
Features: <\/strong>88 miniatures with countless individual scenes and imaginative border decorations on every page.<\/span>
Binding: <\/strong>Red leather binding with gold embossing.<\/span>
Commentary Volume for the Edition:<\/strong>\u00a0Written by Lieve De Kesel (Ghent University, specialist in Flemish illumination). Her study explores the manuscript\u2019s production in the Ghent-Bruges region, the participating artists and workshops, the complex iconography of its miniatures, its textual components and their liturgical history, as well as its ownership and provenance.<\/span>
Print Run: <\/strong>480 copies<\/span><\/p>\n

The facsimile edition will be released in winter 2026.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”13px|0px|12px|0px” disabled_on=”on|on|off” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.0.96″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_divider color=”#eaeaea” show_divider=”on” height=”10″ disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ hide_on_mobile=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.96″][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.96″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – SPRUNGZIEL anpassen und Kurzbeschreibung Bl\u00e4tterbuch SPI” _builder_version=”3.0.96″]<\/p>\n

Faksimile-Edition<\/span><\/p>\n

A few pages to flip through:<\/span><\/h3>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

A Look Inside the Facsimile Manuscript<\/em><\/span><\/h3>\n

<\/span>
On folios 5v\u201311r, We see in the first place the calendar pages for October to December, before the Spinola Hours<\/em> reveals its first large-format miniatures: the Carrying of the Cross with Veronica and the Sudarium is paired with the figure of Christ Blessing.
Through some finely crafted text pages, the cycle continues to the Holy Trinity, surrounded by the heavenly hosts. This is juxtaposed with its Old Testament prefiguration, namely the depiction of Abraham with the Three Angels.
A fascinating detail is provided by the text citations, which appear like scrolls of writing fastened to the parchment.<\/p>\n

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\n<\/p>\n
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