Book of Hours

Commissioned by the Duc de Berry, the illuminations of the book of hours, the Très Riches Heures, by the Limbourg brothers between c. 1413 and 1416, are both exquisite examples of painting in the International Gothic period, and a pictorial source of information on the life of both courtiers and peasants in the medieval age. The miniatures, which represent each different month, are remarkable in artistic terms for their attention to detail and naturalism, as well as their treatement of light and space. Seen here is the image for October. On the left bank of the Seine peasants till the earth and sow seeds in a field. A heavy stone has been placed on the horse-drawn harrow to ensure it sinks deep enough into the soil. In the field behind, a scarecrow is dressed as an archer. Beyond, on the opposite bank individuals can be seen going about their business on the river quayside. In the background rises the Louvre, the royal residence built by the duke's brother, King Charles V, a symbol of royal power over the land and the men in its shadow. Such precision of detail has been of use to researchers and historians over the centuries in understanding how the building originally appeared. The manuscript is held in the Musée Condé, Chantilly.

Giraudon/Art Resource, NY

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Painting; Book of Hours; Limbourg Brothers

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