The Limbourg Brothers' Très Riches Heures: A Masterpiece of International Gothic

The Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, crafted by the Limbourg Brothers circa 1416, is renowned as the world’s most famous book of hours. This illuminated manuscript, commissioned by John the Magnificent, Duke of Berry, showcases the late International Gothic style with its elongated figures, intricate details, and shallow spatial depth. Each month’s calendar page illustrates seasonal tasks, zodiac signs, and the Duke’s castles, such as Saumur and Bicêtre. Notably, the January page features the Duke adorned in a blue robe made with lapis lazuli, a pigment pricier than gold. The Limbourg Brothers—Paul, Hermann, and Jean—originated from an artistic family in Nijmegen, Netherlands, in the late 1370s or 1380s. They began serving the Duke of Berry in 1405 and continued until their deaths from the plague in 1416. The manuscript is currently located at the Musée Condé in Chantilly, France. The Duke was a distinguished patron and collector, possessing a vast library, jewels, and exotic animals, highlighting his appreciation for the arts.