Hours of Catherine de' Medici

Catherine de' Medici (1519–1589) became Queen of France in 1547 and was regent for her minor sons after the king's death
Even before her marriage, the Doheny Master created an extraordinarily magnificent prayer book for her
It is adorned with 17 full-page and 33 smaller, elaborate miniatures in luxurious golden frames

Hours of Catherine de' Medici

Smith-Lesouëf 42 Bibliothèque nationale de France (Paris, France)

Description

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.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: Horae, dites Heures de Catherine de Médicis
Type: Manuscript on parchment
Size / Format: 272 pages / 14.0 × 8.5 cm
Origin: France
Date: 1500–1600
Epochs: Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style: Renaissance
Genre: Private Devotion Books
Language: Latin
Script: Humanistic
Previous Owners: Prob. Catherine de' Medici
Sir William Tite
Etienne-Marie Bancel
Auguste Lesouëf
Bibliothèque Smith-Lesouëf de Nogent-sur-Marne

Available facsimile editions:

Facsimile Editions

#1 Livre d'Heures de Catherine de Médicis Stundenbuch der Katharina von Medici

CM Editores – Salamanca, 2023

Publisher: CM Editores – Salamanca, 2023

1 volume: Exact reproduction of the original document (extent, color and size) 1 volume: Exact reproduction of the original document (extent, color and size)

Facsimile Copy Available!

Price Category: €€
(1,000€ - 3,000€)

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Hours of Catherine de' Medici