Gualenghi-d'Este Hours

Taddeo Crivelli; Guglielmo Giraldi

about 1469

Tempera colors, gold paint, gold leaf, and ink, Tempera Colors, Gold paint, Ink

J. Paul Getty Museum

A white and brown dog is depicted in profile, lying on its side in a grassy area with its head tilted upwards. The dog has brown patches on its back and ears. This tiny, hand-held manuscript was the personal prayer book of Andrea Gualengo and his wife, Orsina d'Este, who was a member of the ruling family of Ferrara, where this manuscript was made. A high-ranking courtier at the Este court, Gualengo successfully negotiated an accord between the cities of Faenza and Ferrara. Probably in recognition of his diplomatic service, he was allowed to marry into the Este family. The book of hours may have been made in connection with Andrea and Orsina's wedding. The text of the manuscript comprises the standard readings found in books of hours, including the Hours of the Virgin, Penitential Psalms,