Prayer Book (Use of Rome)

This late 15th-century Prayer Book, created for the Use of Rome (a liturgical tradition or set of devotional practices that followed the Roman rite—the standardized form of prayers, readings, and rituals used in the Catholic Church centered in Rome), was illuminated by followers of Willem Vrelant of Bruges.

Departing from the typical border designs of the time, the manuscript’s decoration embraces the illusionistic style of Ghent-Bruges illumination (after 1475), moving away from the acanthus-floral borders characteristic of Vrelant’s workshop. 

The main scene depicted on this folio is Christ's entry into Jerusalem, from the section on the Meditations on the Passion of Christ. But what may catch your eye here is ... the cat playing the pipe organ, or the dog playing a flute. Amazing, aren't they?

This artifact is part of the paws-itively adorable Paws on Parchment exhibition at the Walters Art Museum.

P.S. Medieval manuscripts are full of fantastic animals. Here's the unbelievable story of medieval killer rabbits! In addition, in the DailyArt Shop you can order your own set of 50 amazing animals in art! They're perfect gift for the upcoming holiday season for all animal and art lovers.  :)