The work aimed to "waken the torpid from careless sleep to watchful virtue," according to Camille (99).
Suso originally penned The Little Book of Eternal Wisdom in German, and published it in 1328. It rapidly became the widest read meditation book in Germany in the 14th century. When he translated it into Latin in 1334, adding a great deal of content, it experienced a similar popularity throughout Western Europe as Horologium Sapientiae. .
A 15th century French translation of Suso's manuscript contains this illuminated miniature (Fig 1, Brussels, Bibliotheque Royale, Ms. IV, iii folio 13 verso, Time) that epitomizes the drastic change in views of time in Gothic Art. The image, departing from the traditional Gothic layering, wherein past, present and future are mingled, shows an unfolding scene, wherein the writer dialogues with the muse Temperance, representing Wisdom (Camille 99). Note the posture of the muse, with drapery that suggests her movement, and also the page of the Holy Scriptures that is in the process of turning. The seated writer, though not in motion, is clearly watching (and discoursing with) Wisdom - and seems also to be putting his open book to use.
Another consideration of note is the theological imagery in the piece. The muse and the writer are surrounded by a variety of timepieces, seemingly symbolizing man's attempts at seeking wisdom through his own devices. Yet, none of these apparatuses seems to grant what the writer seeks; rather, Wisdom and God's Divinity as represented by the Holy Scriptures she holds, are both central and dominant in the illumination's organization. She touches the cog of a clock, as if drawing a comparison between it and the scripture. The scene is clearly unfolding, and action is occurring as we watch. .
As the time period, circa 1450, and the departure from early Gothic's views of time suggest, this piece is done in late Gothic style. The machines, though modern, are still pictured amongst clearly Gothic architecture - a pointed arch, Gothic tracery and the like - as well as traditional religious metaphor in the form of the open book of scripture.
