BnF Launches €500,000 Appeal to Acquire Rare Renaissance Manuscript by Anne de France

The Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) has initiated a fundraising campaign to obtain a rare illuminated manuscript created by Anne de France (1461-1522), which is designated as a Trésor national. This manuscript, copied and illuminated in Lyon circa 1505, was rediscovered in 2025. To secure it, the BnF needs to raise €500,000 by 31 December, the valuation established by Christie's. Intended for Anne's daughter Suzanne, the manuscript serves as a Renaissance guide on the education of princesses and includes the Histoire du siège de Brest, detailing the siege led by the Prince of Wales. It boasts 20 miniatures and is the sole known copy of the Enseignements. If acquired, it will complement the BnF's collection of female-authored manuscripts.