With figures you can almost touch: a magnificently illuminated, royal masterpiece by the great Jacques de Besançon
Book of Hours of Charles VIII
France — Around 1494

Book of Hours of Charles VIII
France — Around 1494
This manuscript by the French master Jacques de Besançon (d. ca. 1500) is considered to be a "Treasure of Spain"
The 44 large format miniatures and 200 smaller illustrations are true jewels of Renaissance painting
The richly detailed images appear so plastic and realistic, that the figures appear almost tactile
Book of Hours of Charles VIII
- Libro de Horas de Carlos VIII
- Stundenbuch von Karl VIII.
- Libro d'Ore di Carlo VIII
- Livre d’Heures de Charles VIII
- Livro de Horas de Carlos VIII
Short Description
The Book of Hours of Charles VIII was produced in 1494 by the French master Jacques de Besançon. It contains outstanding miniatures in various formats and numerous, excitingly patterned bordures on a golden background. The work is classified as a “Treasure of Spain” and is found today in the Spanish National Library in Madrid.
Book of Hours of Charles VIII
Among all of the highly valuable books of hours of the Middle Ages, there are a few that stand out due to their special quality. One of these masterpieces is the book art of the Book of Hours of Charles VIII. The finely illuminated manuscript contains 44 large format miniatures and around 200 smaller illustrations such as breath-taking decorative bordures. The spectacular work is found today in the **Biblioteca Nacional in Madrid and is classified as a “Treasure of Spain”.
A French Master
The astonishing book of hours was produced in 1494. At this time King Charles VIII was the ruler of France. He was the only son of Louis XI of France and his wife Charlotte of Savoy. Charles VIII was the last monarch from the house of the Valois. The book was designed for the private prayer and meditation of the king. The talented master Jacques de Besançon is responsible for the illustrations of the manuscript. This book painter was one of the most sought-after illuminators of his time and worked for the wealthiest commissioners of France. Quite a few of his valuable works are housed today in the French National Library.
Overwhelming Plastic Representations
The miniatures of the Book of Hours of Charles VIII are true jewels of Renaissance painting. It contains miniatures of various sizes. Half-page miniature show portraits of saints, among others are portraits of Saints Christopher, Peter, and Paul. Full-page miniatures show scenes from the New Testament and the Passion of the Christ. The richly detailed images appear so plastic and realistic, that the figures appear almost tactile. The small paintings are furnished with bordures on a golden background, which are embellished with varying patterns of palms, fruits, and flowers. The splendid impression of the miniatures is emphasized as a result.
Codicology
- Alternative Titles
- Libro de Horas de Carlos VIII
Stundenbuch von Karl VIII.
Libro d'Ore di Carlo VIII
Livre d’Heures de Charles VIII
Livro de Horas de Carlos VIII - Size / Format
- 232 pages / 24.8 x 16.9 cm
- Origin
- France
- Date
- Around 1494
- Epochs
- Style
- Genre
- Language
- Illustrations
- 44 larger miniatures and about 200 smaller miniatures in the borders
- Artist / School
- Master of Jacques of Besançon
- Previous Owners
- Charles VIII., King of France
1 available facsimile edition(s) of „Book of Hours of Charles VIII“
Libro de Horas de Carlos VIII
- Publisher
- M. Moleiro Editor – Barcelona, 1995
- Limited Edition
- 987 copies
- Binding
- Brown leather embossed with gold
- Commentary
-
1 volume (431 pages) by Ana Domínguez Rodríguez
Language: Spanish - More Information
- Reproduction of the entire original document as detailed as possible (scope, format, colors). The binding may not correspond to the original or current document binding.
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