1958 Belles Heures Illuminations, Met Museum

1958 Belles Heures Illuminations, Met Museum

Cloisters Metropolitan Museum of Art published this hardcover book, "Belles Heures of Jean, Duke of Berry, Prince of France" in slipcase in 1958, with an introduction by James J. Rorimer. It is one of the most elegant and beautiful books produced by the Metropolitan Museum reproducing the 32 illuminations from the Book of Hours in the 15th century. It was originally created for the Duke of Berry, son of King John the Good and brother to Charles V and Philip the bold of Burgundy, by the Limbourg Brothers. The Duke was known for his patronage and collections of fine art and books. The 9-3/4"x 6-3/4" book's text was printed in New York bt the Spiral Press with ornaments adapted from the manuscript by Fritz Kredel. Color reproductions were printed in France by Draeger Freres, gilt titled and decorated with a faux leather binding. Along with the ex-libris plate of the Duke from the manuscript, the 32 illuminations include The Annunciation; Nativity; Annunciation to the Shepherds; Adoration of the Magi; Flight of Egypt; Kiss of Judas; Deliverance of Barabbas; Darkness at the Crucifixion; Descent from the Cross; Lamentation; The court of Heaven; Story of St. Catherine, (Plates 12-13); Saint Bruno and the Grand Chartreuse, (Plates 14, 15, 16, 17, 18); Story of Saint Jerome, (Plates 19, 20, 21); Story of Saints Anthony and Paul, the Hermit, ((Plates 22, 23, 24); Saint George; Saint Eustace; Saint Nicholas; Saint Ursula; Saint Charlemagne; Duchess of Berry in Prayer; Duke of Berry in Prayer; and Duke of Berry on a Journey. The book is in excellent condition with the former owner's name in calligraphy on the first front endpaper. Book is encased in a dark slate-gray slipcase, with a wrapped white title panel with colored crest. Slipcase corners are very slightly bumped, while spine of the case has age toning. This is an outstanding book on Illuminated Art of the 15th century. Thank you for looking. Please email me if I can help you in any way.

Item ID: RL-1690

$49 USD SOLD