Stonyhurst Hours (Use of Sarum) c. 1400 - 1410

The Beaufort Saints Group created this illuminated manuscript in either the 14th or 15th century. It depicts the Adoration of the Magi. These Books of Hours were luxury devotional objects that were made for the wealthy. As such, they give us insight into the values and aspirations of their owners. Here we see the Virgin Mary, the Christ Child, and the three Magi, rendered in bright colors and delicate detail. The Sarum Use refers to the specific liturgical practices of Salisbury Cathedral in England, indicating a particular cultural context for this book's creation and use. The presence of such books reflected not only religious devotion, but social standing. Understanding this art requires attention to social context. Who were the Beaufort Saints, and what was their place within the artistic ecosystem of their time? What did it mean to own such a lavish item? These are questions that can only be answered through research into the historical and institutional context of late medieval England. It encourages a deeper appreciation of art's role in society.