The first text read and owned throughout medieval
Europe by people at every level of literacy and class
was the Book of Hours. Devotional texts containing
daily prayers, these manuscripts quickly came to
produce some of the most iconic artworks of the
Middle Ages. Today many collectors regard Books
of Hours as beautifully illuminated picture-books,
but they can also provide unique insights into
medieval lives and desires. Join Kristen Racaniello,
Les Enluminures to discover the history, structure,
and desirability of the medieval bestseller,
the Book of Hours. 

Kristen Racaniello is a medievalist, curator, and writer
with an MPhil. in Romanesque and Gothic Art and
Architecture. She joined Les Enluminures as Manager
of the New York gallery in 2016 and is responsible for
the New York gallery, writing, editing, producing, and
hosting the Les Enluminures podcast, and for virtual
content production at the gallery. Her 2020 article
“Haptic Homoeroticism: Evidence of Queer Bathing
Histories in the Glazier De Balneis Puteolanis” is
available through the Public Art Dialogue, and her
Master’s thesis “The Shrine System: Votive Culture
and Cult Sculpture, Enshrining Space in 11th to 13th
Century France” is freely available online. 

A reception with refreshments will follow the lecture that will be in the historic National Arts Club, a National Landmark building and the former home of Governor Samuel Tilden.

1.5 CE credits
 

FEES in-person & on-demand
Free  Associate and Student Members RSVP required
$10   Members
$20   General Admission

If you have previously registered for the 2021-2022 full lecture series, 
you do not need to re-submit payment or registration information.

All attendees must register in advance; seats are limited.
Registration is accepted only with payment. NO REFUNDS. 

Register online (at the top of this page).
 

PLEASE NOTE: Jeans are not permitted, and men are required to wear jackets at the National Arts Club. For more information on the dress code, please visit the National Arts Club's website. Guests will be asked to follow proper vaccine documentation.

Covid Protocols:

The National Arts Club is in compliance with the “Key to NYC” vaccine mandate for indoor dining and events. Upon entry, all event attendees 5 and older must present proof of two vaccine doses (except for those who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine).  

Proof of vaccination may include:

• NYC COVID Safe app: Android | iOS
• Excelsior Pass
• CDC Vaccination Card (or photo of card)
• NYC Vaccination Record or other ocial immunization record from within or outside the U.S., including from your health care provider. A photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable.
• An official immunization record from outside NYC or the U.S.

Valid I.D. includes your name accompanied by a photograph OR your date of birth, such as:
• Driver’s license
• Government I.D. card
• IDNYC card
• Passport

Guests who do not present the proper vaccine
documentation will not be allowed entry.