Great Hours of Anne of Brittany

Great Hours of Anne of Brittany

In the time period from 1503 to 1508, Jean Bourdichon, probably France’s most famous book artist, created one of the most superb books of hours ever. Les Grandes Heures der Anne de Bretagne, translated in English as The Great Hours of Anne of Brittany, was commissioned by the Queen of France for her private prayer and devotion and is garnished with 49 full-page miniatures, as well as over 300 ornamental bordures. This work numbers among the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages. The book treasure is found today in the French National Library in Paris.

Anne of Brittany and Jean Bourdichon

The French Queen Anne of Brittany was known as a pious person who loved art and luxury. She acted as patron of several artists and writers, among whom the illuminator Jean Bourdichon was closest to her. Bourdichon was one of the most famous artists of the Early French Renaissance and directed the Tours school. He not only made Anne’s exquisite book of hours, but also a famous primer for her daughter Claude. His illuminated manuscripts are characterized by an unmistakable style and the greatest technical refinement. His miniatures are as impressive as the great panel paintings of the Middle Ages.

An Impressive Variety of Depictions

The book of hours contains 49 full-page, luminously-colored paintings against a black-colored background, which are contained in golden frames. The images are breathtakingly realistic and convey a convincing sense of spatial depth. Bourdichon laid out especially luminous accents with his purposeful brushstrokes of gold. Some of the fantastic scenes are reminiscent of the works of great painters like Leonardo Da Vinci. Each miniature can be regarded as a small, independent work of art. Unique marginal depictions of plants and insects lend the work an unusual flavor. The frames of the codex manifest a complete treatise about botany, which includes over 330 plants with their scientific names. Therefore what we have here is simultaneously a prayer book and a natural encyclopedia. The lively frames further emphasize the beauty of every single miniature.

One of France’s Greatest Book Treasures

Les Grandes Heures der Anne de Bretagnecast its spell on other French princes after the death of the Duchess in the year 1514. Louis XIV had it included in the cabinet of curiosities in the palace of Versailles. Its beauty later conquered Napoleon III, who had it exhibited from 1852 to 1872 in the Museum of the Art Treasure of the Kings and Nobility in the Louvre. Today it is one of the most valuable treasures of the French National Library in Paris. The codex played an important role in the history of book art and is judged by art historians as one of the most exceptional and valuable books of hours of all time.