I found the video streaming in class on Wednesday, February 3rd on how to purchase a Book of Hours slightly conflicting, but interesting. Particularly, I thought that the video came off as a sales video for artifacts – historians have to make a commission somehow I suppose. Moreover, I think the video could be characterized as an advertisement under the guise of a “how-to” approach. I was conflicted in that I usually view historians and artists as individuals invested in the study for the love of the subject, and not the type of individuals to make a kind of advertisement for their services. The video detailed the ways to purchase a Book of Hours (who to go to, what to look for, etc.), however, as we discussed in class, the prices were slightly inflated.
Looking at the video through a marketing perspective, it is a crafty way to attract buyers. If I had money to spend on a Book of Hours, I would do so, because the creators of the video chose two highly informed speakers who are very passionate about their field of study. Their passion for Books of Hours came through the video, and they heightened the worth and importance of Books of Hours for me from a more contemporary standpoint. I am torn between appreciating the video as a testament to Books of Hours, or depreciating it as a “sales” video. I suppose it’s a little of both.
I agree that this video was conflicting. I would have expected that as historians they wouldn’t want to sell such valuable books. it seems like it would be much more difficult to preserve these books and research them if they are bought by individuals for personal enjoyment. I can understand that they would want these books to become more well known and appreciated, but I would have expected that the people in the video would want the books to be in museums.