JACQUEMART DE HESDIN
(d. ca. 1411)

Brussels Hours

c. 1400
Manuscript (Ms. 11060), 274 x 188 mm (each)
Bibliothèque Royale de Belgique, Brussels

The illuminations in the Très-Belles Heures de Jehan de France, Duc de Berry, better known as the Brussels Hours, are attributed to Jacquemart de Hesdin and his shop. In this book the borders contain sumptuous frames of quatrefoils, bearing the armorials and devices of Berry superimposed over the traditional floriate patterns. Introducing the Hours is a dedication page with the duke accompanied by Sts Andrew and John the Baptist, presented to a Madonna and Child seated on a high throne. This dedication diptych is truly a work of more monumental art as if it were originally meant to be framed and hung on a wall.

The picture shows the first dedication page of the Brussels Hours.