Grisaille, tempera, and ink on vellum
Jean Pucelle (active 1319-1334)
France, Paris, 1324-1328
Among the many treasures at The Cloisters in New York City, this one stands out as particularly divine.
This exquisite Book of Hours was created in the 14th century for Jeanne d’Evreux, when she was Queen of France.
It is small enough to fit comfortably in your hands.
Currently housed at The Cloisters in New York City, this medieval treasure has an illustrious provenance, having belonged to the following before being acquired by the Rothschild family:
- Jeanne d’Evreux, queen of France
- Charles V, king of France
- Jean, duke of Berry (major financier of illuminated manuscripts)
- Baron Louis-Jules de Châtelet
- Julie de Rothschild
The text was written entirely by hand. You can see the influence of Illuminated Manuscripts in the calligraphy for the picture book, Bun E. Learns to Count in French. Those words were also written by hand, rather than using a computer typeface.
This gem merits being seen in person.
Used by permission, The Cloisters Collection, 1954 (54.1.2)
