<div class="description">
The litany of the saints is among the most ancient and emotional Christian liturgical texts, dating in the West to at least the AD 400s. In a book of hours, the litanies is a list of saints’ names expressed in hierarchical order and individual rank. These names were recited rhythmically as invocations, followed each time by <em>Ora pro nobis</em> (Pray for us). In this way, saints were called upon by sinners seeking forgiveness and salvation. <br><br>The <em>bas-de-page</em> (lower margin), features an ape hunting wild boars: both animals were symbolic of vice and lust. Perhaps deriving from a fable, the scene could be amusing or diversionary, but it was likely instructive for the medieval owner of the book.</div>
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