Period: Late Gothic
Date: c. 1500–1510
Collection: Cleveland Museum of Art
Object no.: 2006.13.a

Leaf from a Book of Hours: Ape Hunting Wild Boars (recto)

Unknown maker, c. 1500–1510

Maker: Unknown maker
Date: c. 1500–1510
Medium: ink, tempera and liquid gold on vellum
Dimensions: Each leaf: 18.1 x 12.9 cm (7 1/8 x 5 1/16 in.)
Period: Late Gothic

Why it matters

Following the psalms is the litany of saints, identified by the blue text reading Letania. This repetitive list proceeds through a hierarchy beginning with God the Father and continuing through many saints. From each individual, the reader could ask for forgiveness. This list was customizable, allowing the reader to include saints important to them or their family. Surrounding the text is a scene of an ape hunting wild boars, symbols of vice and lust, that could perhaps be from a fable or merely be amusing or diversionary.

Cleveland Museum of Art collection record