The Très Riches Heures of the Duke of Berry

Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry

The Très Riches Heures of Duke Jean de Berry, an unrivalled highpoint of Flemish book art, represents the most famous handwritten and illuminated book of all time. The work was designed collectively by four of the most gifted and popular illuminators of the 15th century. The precious manuscript is adorned with 66 full-page miniatures and 65 smaller illuminations, which are ennobled with sparkling and shimmering gold leaf and silver elements. More than 3,000 gilded initials decorate the meticulous script of the work. The book treasure is famous in particular for its 12 calendar pages, which are unrivalled to this day in their quality.

A Jewel of the Lord’s Library

Très Riches Heures is the title of the most famous book of hours of all time, which was produced in the name of the Duke of Berry. Jean de Berry is considered to be one of the greatest art patrons in history. He was an exceedingly educated man and a great friend of illuminated manuscripts. Numerous handwritten works originated from his commission, although the Très Riches Heures represents the absolute highpoint of his unfathomably valuable collection. Today the magnificent original of the manuscript is housed in the Château de Chantilly Library.

The Masters of Book Art

The Limburg Brothers, Hermann, Paul, and Jehanequin to be more precise, are responsible for the majority of the design of the splendid work. Their illustrations made the manuscript the unrivalled highpoint of the European art of illumination between the end of the Gothic period and the beginning of the Renaissance. The three brothers worked from 1411 to 1416 on the furnishing of the codex and then died under mysterious circumstances, probably a plague. Their commissioner also died during this time. An outstanding illuminator by the name of Jean Colombe finally completed work in 1485 at the behest of Charles I, Duke of Savoy.

The Magical Art of Illumination

In the miniatures, the Limburg brothers convey a medieval world that appears to be magical and leaves every beholder in astonishment. Their masterful skills, their knowledge of coloration and composition, as well as their exact powers of observation could be exceeded by no other illuminators in the world. The images thematize scenes from life at the court of the Prince of Berry, as well as everyday scenes from the life of the rural population. The exertions of field work, the enchanting beauty of the countryside, the monumentality of castles and walled cities, the magnificent garments of French high society, and the simple clothes of the peasantry are depicted. The manuscript reproduces the whole breadth of life in medieval France in a breathtaking manner.