The Murder of Thomas Becket, page one, from a Book of Hours 1430 - 1440

This painted page, depicting the murder of Thomas Becket, comes from a Book of Hours made by Nicolas Brouwer around the mid-15th century. The image is rendered on vellum, a parchment made from animal skin, which was then carefully prepared and primed to receive paint. Notice the meticulous detail, achieved with fine brushes and a steady hand. The vibrant colors, derived from mineral and organic pigments, were layered to create depth and luminosity, and costly gold leaf illuminates Becket's halo. The labor-intensive processes involved in producing such a book—preparing the vellum, mixing pigments, applying delicate brushstrokes, and gilding—speak to the patronage of wealthy individuals and the cultural significance attached to devotional objects during the medieval period. These Books of Hours were luxury commodities as much as aids to prayer. In appreciating this page, consider the skilled labor, precious materials, and social context that converge to imbue it with meaning. It is a testament to the enduring power of craft to shape cultural and religious expression.