Berlin Hours of Mary of Burgundy
The Berlin Hours of Mary of Burgundy originated between 1477 and 1480 in the Ghent region, commissioned by Emperor Maximilian I (1459β1519) as a gift to his wife Mary of Burgundy (1457β1482). The magnificent, small manuscript contains prayers and religious texts for private devotion, which are enriched by a total of 27 full-page and 47 smaller miniatures that illuminate numerous biblical scenes in remarkable detail and vividness. Both the artistic miniature pages and 16 important text pages are furthermore adorned with a particularly rich and plastic border decoration consisting of flowers, buds, acanthus leaves and butterflies. There has already been much speculation in research about the artist of this outstanding Flemish illumination. It presumably originates from the Master of Mary of Burgundy, who worked at the end of the 15th century, is stylistically close to the works of the Old Dutch painter Hugo van der Goes, and herewith created a true gem of late Gothic book art.
Berlin Hours of Mary of Burgundy
The Berlin Hours of Mary of Burgundy, with its luminous miniatures, represents a highpoint of Flemish illumination. The manuscript originated in the region of Ghent between 1477 and 1480 at the behest of Emperor Maximilian I (1459β1519) as a gift to his wife Mary of Burgundy (1457β1482), the only child of Duke Charles the Bold (1433β1477) and as such his sole heiress. On a total of 724 pages, the manuscript contains both prayers as well as religious texts for private devotion, which are interspersed with 27 full-page and 47 smaller miniatures. Moreover, it contains 16 pages of exceptionally rich bordure decoration with flowers and butterflies.
The Secret of the Artist
Who it was that actually furnished the book with such color-intensive painting has never been resolved, but there is a lot of speculation. Initially, researchers ascribed the miniatures the the hand of Alexander Bening, who learned the craft of the miniaturist in the workshop of his father Simon Bening. For a long time now, the Master of Mary of Burgundy, or one of his successors is considered to be the outfitter of the book of hours. This name of convenience indicates a Franco-Flemish illuminator who worked in the late 15th century and is stylistically similar to the Old Dutch painter Hugo van Goes. Whosoever was the source of this precious, high-quality visual adornment, the Berlin Hours of Mary of Burgundy is a masterpiece.
Fantastical Framing
The artist devoted strikingly considerable attention to the frames of his miniatures. In particular, space is devoted large-scale flowers, still-closed buds, opulent acanthus, but also small butterflies and fruits. The fine motifs are arranged symmetrically in some compositions, like a decorative pattern, and freely in others, whereby the eye of the beholder is continuously fascinated by something new. Only rarely are frames and bordures of such high artistic quality that they are in no way inferior to the actual miniatures.
Dramatic and Harmonious Miniatures
It is breathtaking how the painter managed to produce completely different atmospheres in the biblical scenes. The scenes of torture and martyrdom are dramatic, while the sweeping figures and contorted faces attest to great suffering and terrifying violence. When one compares such temperamental miniatures with an introverted Woman of the Apocalypse or a loving Madonna with Child, the contrast could not be greater. It was exactly this interplay and clash of emotions that constitutes the quality of the meticulous and shimmering miniatures.
Codicology
- Alternative Titles
- Berliner Stundenbuch der Maria von Burgund und Kaiser Maximilians
- Size / Format
- 724 pages / 10.3 Γ 7.0 cm
- Origin
- France
- Date
- Between 1477 and 1480
- Epochs
- Style
- Genre
- Language
- Illustrations
- 27 full-page illustrations, 47 smaller miniatures and 16 pages with richly decorated borders
- Patron
- Emperor Maximilian I (1459β1519) for his bride Mary of Burgundy (1457β1482), daughter of Charles the Bold (1433β1477)
- Artist / School
- Master of Mary of Burgundy
- Previous Owners
- Maria von Burgund (1457β1482), Tochter von Herzog Karl dem KΓΌhnen (1433β1477)
Berlin Hours of Mary of Burgundy
Deposition from the Cross
The bright and cheerful color palette belies this mournful scene, one of the most popular in Christian art. Workmen are shown taking Christ down from the cross as the Virgin Mary, in blue, and Mary Magdelene, in red, extend their arms to receive him. What makes this image truly remarkable is the naturalistic posturing of the bodies, from the limpness of Christβs corpse to the men coming down the ladders to the Mother of God bending her knees and bracing to bear his weight.
Berlin Hours of Mary of Burgundy
David and Goliath
The most famous underdog in the Western tradition is depicted here in a masterful miniature created either by the Master of Mary of Burgundy or someone from his circle. The armies of the Israelites and the Philistines look on as the young David does what King Saul is too afraid to do. Goliath is dressed in the bright garb of a contemporary mercenary, and an unknown city is depicted in the distant background of the Valley of Elah.
This scene depicts the moment that David slings the stone at Goliath, which will strike him square in the forehead, killing him instantly and dropping him to the ground. It is presented in a golden, flower-adorned frame with medallion miniatures of David as a shepherd (bottom) and decapitating the body of Goliath (left).
#1 Berliner Stundenbuch der Maria von Burgund
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