Book of Hours of Rouen

Book of Hours of Rouen

A special piece of 15th century French illumination is stored in the Portuguese National Library in Lisbon: the so-called Book of Hours of Rouen. Originating around 1475 in Rouen, the splendid furnishing of the manuscript is ascribed to the Master of the Échevinage de Rouen. He was the most style-defining artist of the center of French art at this time. The Book of Hours of Rouen shines with 29 full-page miniatures as well as the finest furnishings and highest-quality of the paintings. A true gem of late medieval illumination!

Exuberant Adornment

Broad border stripes line the edges of the 142 pages of the manuscript, furnished with opulent, floral ornamentation. Exotic, bright fruits and flowers, but also small animals and other figures animate the ornamentation. In many cases, small medallions are integrated in these tendrils, visualizing masterly scenes. In the middle of this overwhelming adornment, gentrified with gold, stand gorgeous miniatures concerning the theme of Marian piety.

Masterful Painting

Glimmering gold and luminous colors together with the masterful treatment of space and light characterize the outstanding miniatures of the Book of Hours of Rouen. For example, the scene of the stable in Bethlehem, where Mary and Joseph stand to the side of the newborn Christ child, ringed by three handsome and devout angels. The stable is skillfully depicted in perspective, and another part of the landscape is recognizable in the background. Everything is overlaid with artfully varied, splendid gold ornamentation, and the garments of the figures are modeled with gold colors. Beside it there are gorgeous calendar pages with red, blue, and splendid gold lettering and the typical scenes of pastoral daily life in the Late Middle Ages, which constitute the overwhelming pictorial splendor of the French illuminated manuscript.

A Master from Rouen

The book of hours is considered to be an outstanding work from the studio of the so-called Master of the Échevinage de Rouen. This Master of the Échevinage de Rouen (active 1450–1485) was an exceptionally gifted miniaturist from Rouen, who significantly influenced the style of his time. He is named after the five manuscripts for the library of the lay judges of Rouen, which are attributed to him. Additionally, he was responsible for numerous other masterpieces of 15th century illumination.

A Marian Prayer Book

The book of hours was the order of an unknown commissioner. This person assuredly came from the nobility or the class of the high-ranking clergy, who were the typical commissioners of such splendid works of late–15th century illumination. In terms of content, the text and miniatures concern themselves with the Marian piety, wherefore the manuscript is also designated as the Marian Prayer Book. Today the treasure is housed in the Portuguese National Library in Lisbon. The Book of Hours of Rouen visualizes the great art of illumination before the eyes of the beholder and is assuredly a highpoint from the golden age of 15th century French illumination!