Les Petites Heures of the Duke of Berry

Between the years 1372 and 1390, five of the most important illuminators of the 14th century collectively produced a manuscript that researchers consider to be one of the greatest specimens of medieval book art in the world. The Petite Heures was made as a private payer book for the art-lover Prince Jean de Valois, Duke of Berry. The work contains an opulent series of paintings in splendid colors and is furnished with gold and silver in excess. Nearly all of the 580 pages comprising the work are richly illuminated. Large-format miniatures and an enchantingly-designed calendar are accompanied by eccentrically ornamented initials, marginal decorations, and bordures.

At the Behest of a Passionate Book Lover

Jean de Valois (1340–1416), Duke of Berry, is known today as one of the greatest collectors and patrons of exceptional artistic treasures and precious illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages. The duke owned one of the most luxurious libraries in all of France. He continuously expanded his expensive collection of books during his reign, patronized the most gifted illuminators of his time, and acquired some of the most precious manuscripts that ever existed. Every work of the library consisting of over 300 manuscripts that he built up by the end of his life was of exceptional quality. Alongside what is probably his most famous book, the Très Riches Heures, the Petite Heures is an absolute masterpiece and the highlight of the ducal book treasury.

The Ultimate Team of Illuminators

The commission for the Petite Heures was originally given to the artist Jean le Noir, who was by far the best illuminator in France from 1340 to 1380. He adorned the book of hours in a traditional manner with a Passion cycle, an opening image of the Penitential Psalms, and a scene from the Office of John the Baptist that were typical for this genre. After his death in 1380, work on the book ceased for five years until it was finally resumed by no less than the famous Jacquemart de Hesdin, the “Master of the Trinity” as well as the so-called “pseudo-Jacquemart. Work on the masterpiece was completed ca. 1390. Around 20 years later, the dazzling patron Jean de Berry appended it with a miniature from his favorite artists, the world-famous Limbourg Brothers. Hardly any other work of medieval book art was furnished by a comparable collection of artists.

Accoutrement in the Highest Perfection

The small book of hours contains a gallery of 119 stunningly beautiful miniatures, which set the prayer texts of the manuscript in ornate scenes. There are important biblical scenes in which the artists paid special attention to the depiction of the saints who were particularly venerated by the Duke of Berry. Every page of the book of hours was lovingly and harmoniously furnished down to the smallest detail. Frequent depictions of the patron and his personal collection in bright colors and ennobled with gold and silver testify to the personal character of the masterly manuscript. It is conceivable that the prince always carried it on his numerous journeys and used it for quiet prayer.