The Chester Beatty, Dublin has launched a new exhibition, Heavenly Flowers: The Hamilton Field Book of Hours, concentrating on an exquisite fifteenth-century manuscript from their collection - enjoy a selection of pages above.

This is the first time the book in its entirety is on display.

Opening to the public tomorrow, 24 May 2024 and running until 22 September 2024, this in-focus exhibition is the first in a planned series from the Chester Beatty to highlight and closely examine rarely seen and unique treasures from their collection.

Books of hours refer to Christian prayer books that were used throughout specific times of the day.

They were especially popular in Europe between the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries, and while no two are alike, certain volumes like the Hamilton Field Book of Hours emerge as exceptional.

The Hamilton Field Book of Hours, which was named after its previous owner, artist, collector and critic, Hamilton Easter Field (1873–1922), dates from the early fifteenth century. Originally crafted in Paris for the Contet family of Champagne, this unique manuscript is noteworthy and original for its full-page calendar illustrations.

While many illustrations are devoted to agricultural activities—hay harvest, wine making and sowing seeds—some scenes depict the leisure activities of the wealthy—courtly love, hunting and banquets. These illustrations are one of only two fully developed sets of landscapes in French manuscripts from the first half of the fifteenth century.

Further distinguishing itself from its contemporaries, the manuscript boasts intricately adorned and realistically rendered floral borders that feature roses, strawberries and columbines, rich in symbolic significance.

Although these types of motifs were often used in other devotional manuscripts, it is unusual to find realistic flora in a French manuscript of this time.

The paintings and borders prevalent in this work show links with Italian artwork of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, suggesting the artist was from or trained in Italy.

The illuminator has been designated the 'Master of Walters 219', named after a manuscript in the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland—the Hamilton Field Book of Hours is probably this artist’s masterpiece.

Heavenly Flowers: The Hamilton Field Book of Hours is at the Chester Beatty, Dublin until 22nd Sept 2024 - find out more here.