The Madruzzo Book of Hours, a Dismembered Manuscript Illuminated by Marie Vrelant

The Madruzzo Book of Hours was a splendid 15th-century illuminated manuscript, dismembered in 2017, with its folios resold individually through various channels, including public platforms like eBay and clandestine auctions. This essay presents the meticulous digital reconstruction of the manuscript while examining its artistic origins in the prestigious Flemish workshop of the Vrelant family and its commission by Maria Maddalena della Torre.
In addition to its historical and artistic significance, the book delves into the legal and ethical challenges surrounding manuscript dismemberment. It sheds light on the international complicity of biblioclast networks that exploit cultural artefacts for profit and the covert auction systems that enable these practices. With incisive analysis, the author uncovers the systemic violence—both literal and symbolic—used to protect these illicit trades and advocates for stronger legal frameworks to combat such exploitation.
A groundbreaking contribution to manuscript studies, art history, and cultural heritage law, this book reveals a compelling narrative of resilience, urging action to preserve the integrity of our shared history.