Miniatures

In its current state, the prayer book contains 106 miniatures. There were many more, but over the centuries a large number of them have been cut out by collectors, art dealers and enthusiasts. The majority of the remaining illustrations depict saints and can be found in the part of the book known as the Sanctoral. The Sanctoral follows a certain structure that is repeated throughout: a short sequence of usually three prayers is preceded by a miniature illustration depicting the saints being called upon.

The prayers and miniatures of Mary’s book follow the same order as the feast days of the liturgical year. This is also the order in which they will be presented here. Over the course of a year, starting on November 30, the miniatures will be published here on the first feast day related to the saints in the picture. Check back here regularly and experience the liturgical year with Mary’s prayers.