Book of Hours of Mary Stuart

Book of Hours and Execution Warrant of Mary Stuart

This extraordinary compendium unites two poignant testimonies of European history: the private Book of Hours of Scottish Queen Mary Stuart (1542–1587) and her execution warrant signed by Elizabeth I on February 1, 1587.

The small Book of Hours, measuring only 10 x 7.1 cm, is a masterpiece of Flemish book painting from the early 16th century, likely created in Ghent or Bruges. Across 385 pages unfolds a precious world of images: 41 full-page miniatures, magnificent initials, vibrant colors, and rich gold leaf. Wide, intricately detailed frames adorned with floral ornaments, fruits, animals, and insects surround the scenes—from the Annunciation to the Salvator Mundi. An artistically designed calendar featuring zodiac signs and pastoral genre scenes opens the work. The quality of the painting stylistically recalls the great Flemish masters such as Jan van Eyck or Simon Bening.

This Book of Hours was Mary's personal devotional book—her solace in captivity and in the final hours before her execution on February 7, 1587. The accompanying historically significant document bearing Elizabeth I's signature, now preserved in the Lambeth Palace Library, transforms this ensemble into a moving document of the political and religious conflicts of the era.

Together, the Book of Hours and the death warrant form a unique testament to faith, power, and tragedy. For collectors and lovers of historical manuscripts, this presents a rare opportunity to own an artwork of both artistic and historical significance—an evocative piece of European history with extraordinary resonance.