Manuscripts and Antiphoner

The medieval Book of Hours evolved out of the monastic cycle of prayer which divided the day into eight segments, or "hours". By the early fifteenth century, the format of the Book of Hours had developed to satisfy the demands of private, as opposed to communal, devotion.

Decorated letters were embellished with geometric, foliate, and zoomorphic designs, or with mixed elements of all three. Historiated initials, deriving their name from the French "ystoire", served as frames that enclosed small figural or narrative scenes.