Signs & Symbols

Decoding Mediaeval & Renaissance Iconography

Case 17 - The Language of Flowers

Single leaf from a Book of Hours, France (Paris), [1408]. Reed MSF17b

Single leaf from a Book of Hours, France (Paris), [1408]. Reed MSF17b

The scrolling ivy around the borders of this Book of Hours is a common illustration found in margins of French manuscripts. In Christian symbolism, the plant represents faithfulness and eternal life, and is a fitting decorative element for the contemplative nature of the mediaeval prayer book from which readers sought salvation.

Single leaf from a Book of Hours, France (Paris), [1408]. Reed MSF17b

Single leaf from a Book of Hours, France (Paris), [1408]. Reed MSF17b
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Bifolium from a Book of Hours, France (Paris), [1408]. Reed MSF17a

Bifolium from a Book of Hours, France (Paris), [1408]. Reed MSF17a

Closer detail of the scrolling ivy. Text is from Matins for the Office of the Dead.

Bifolium from a Book of Hours, France (Paris), [1408]. Reed MSF17a

Bifolium from a Book of Hours, France (Paris), [1408]. Reed MSF17a
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Cases