Hours of Catherine de' Medici

This private devotion book is unquestionably worthy of a queen: the Hours of Catherine de' Medici is one of the most magnificent examples of the Franco-Flemish Renaissance book illumination of the 16th century. The Doheny Master illuminated the pious prayer texts and the preceding calendar for the later French queen and ultimately regent Caterina Maria Romula de' Medici (1519–1589) around 1525–1528 with 17 full-page and 33 smaller miniatures. The vivid scenes in vibrant colors all reveal a well-mastered interest in the depiction of interpersonal relationships, wide landscapes and convincing interiors. They are generally framed by splendid golden, often architectural, frames as well as elaborate foliate borders. Precious golden details in the images and script make the small-format manuscript a lavish luxury item.