Books of Hours, Books of Hope: Medieval Books of Hours and Their Readers

This richly illustrated catalog accompanying the exhibition Pride and Solace: Medieval Books of Hours and Their Readership at the Groeningemuseum in Bruges (April 4 – October 7, 2025). Written by curator Evelien Hauwaerts, the volume offers both a scholarly and accessible introduction to the most popular devotional books of the Middle Ages.

The catalog explores what the Books of Hours contained, how they were read and cherished, and why they appeared so often in the portraits of Flemish painters. It sheds light on their widespread appeal across social classes, from noble patrons to merchants and servants, and, on the practical aspects of devotion, from the use of spectacles and candles to the symbolic imagery hidden in the margins.

Lavishly illustrated with manuscripts and paintings from Musea Brugge and the Bruges Public Library, Books of Hours, Books of Hope provides a unique insight into the spiritual, social, and artistic significance of these medieval bestsellers. Both a scholarly reference and a beautifully produced art book, it is an essential volume for anyone interested in medieval culture, Flemish painting, or the history of the book.