MS M.917/945, pp. 56–57

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David (?) Praying Before an Altar

The Netherlands, Utrecht
ca. 1440
7 1/2 x 5 1/8 inches (192 x 130 mm)

Purchased on the Belle da Costa Greene Fund with the assistance of the Fellows, 1963

MS M.917/945, pp. 56–57
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Understanding, the second gift of the Holy Spirit, is illustrated by a man, most probably meant to be King David, who kneels before a significantly empty altar. His scroll paraphrases Psalm 118, verse 34: "Give me understanding that I may learn your commandments." The Dove of the Holy Spirit answers his petition positively, "I shall give you understanding."

Hours and Masses for the Seven Days of the Week

The most unusual texts in Catherine's manuscript are the series of Hours and Masses for every day of the week. Medieval Christian tradition associated certain figures or themes with different days. Thus Sunday, the day of the Resurrection, was the Lord's Day; Thursday was connected with the Eucharist since that sacrament was instituted on Holy Thursday; and Monday was the day of the dead, since their torments were suspended on Sunday but recommenced the following day. In Catherine's prayer book, the themes for the Hours and Masses of the seven days of the week are:

Sunday the Trinity
Monday the Dead
Tuesday the Holy Spirit
Wednesday All Saints
Thursday the Blessed Sacrament
Friday the Compassion of God
Saturday the Virgin.
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Image courtesy of Faksimile Verlag Luzern