Exhibition – Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry

Les Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry is the most famous manuscript in the world. Described as the ‘Mona Lisa’ of manuscripts, this collection of offices and prayers made especially for the Duke of Berry, brother of King Charles V of France, is a testament to the splendour and artistic refinement of the late Middle Ages.

Produced throughout the 15th century, this exceptional work was illuminated by the Limbourg brothers, distinguished artists affiliated with the courts of Burgundy and Berry, whose work profoundly transformed the course of art history. Consisting of 121 miniatures, Les Très Riches Heures capture the imagination with their depictions of historic castles, noble scenes and seasonal work in the fields that have shaped our perception of the Middle Ages.

To celebrate the restoration of this masterpiece, which has only been shown to the public twice since the end of the 19th century, an international exhibition has been set up, featuring almost 150 exhibits from all over the world. The exhibition provides visitors with an insight into each stage of the creation of the Très Riches Heures over almost a century and explains why the manuscript is still so popular.

The exhibition focuses particularly on the figure of Jean de Berry, his lavish patronage and his taste for books. For the first time since the prince’s death in 1416, all his books of hours known to date have been collected in one place. Manuscripts, sculptures, paintings and valuable works of art provide a comprehensive overview of the context behind the creation and dissemination of the Duke’s most ambitious work.

Due to the ongoing restoration of the manuscript, its famous calendar is on display unbound. Come and admire Les Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry as you will never see them again!

Explore the complete manuscript online.

A discovery in stages

In December 1855, a manuscript once belonging to Duke Jean of Berry (1340-1416) resurfaced in Genoa. When he learned of the manuscript, the Duke of Aumale (1822-1897) instantly grasped its importance, purchased it and hired the leading experts of the day to begin a study of it.

Known by its 15th-century name, Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry is a remarkable prayer book created around 1411 for Jean I, Duke of Berry, brother of King Charles V, by three talented young artists from Nijmegen: the Limbourg brothers, Paul, Jean and Herman. Nephews of the painter Jean Malouel (circa 1370-1415), they worked alongside the most skilled copyists and illuminators of their time. Both patron and painters died in 1416, leaving the manuscript unfinished.

A succession of illuminators subsequently worked on the manuscript throughout the 15th century, including Barthélemy d’Eyck around 1440, for the Royal Family, and Jean Colombe around 1485, for Charles I of Savoy, who inherited it. This masterpiece, now considered one of the most remarkable books of its time, retains its unity while blending Flemish, French, Italian, Eastern and classical influences, which have been gradually brought to light by specialists in the field.

Since its acquisition by the Duke of Aumale and his commissioning of early reproductions of the work, the book has gained international acclaim as a masterpiece of medieval art. It continues to shape a romanticised and idealised vision of the Middle Ages in the popular imagination.

A unique insight into The Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry

Following its restoration, twelve unbounded pages of Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry will be placed on public display. These six bifolia, containing the calendar, will be presented vertically for viewing on both sides. Each unbound bifolium will be housed in a specially designed climate-controlled case created by conservators.

The manuscript itself, the centrepiece of the exhibition, will be presented in its own display case. Every two weeks, the book will be turned to a new double page. Visitors can also explore the entire book using two digital flipbooks and a paper facsimile.

The restoration, performed with the expert help of leading specialists, offered an unparalleled opportunity to scrutinise the work, revealing each stage of its creation, down to the smallest brushstroke. An audiovisual presentation in a separate room will bring to life these extraordinary findings and scientific images from analyses produced by the C2RMF.

Princely library

Thanks to a unique partnership with the National Library of France, much of the Duke of Berry’s extensive medieval library, one of the most celebrated of its day, will also be on display. Some thirty manuscripts will complete the Château de Chantilly’s own collection, offering a fuller picture of the prince’s opulent lifestyle, refined taste and intellectual pursuits.

Creating the Very Rich Hours

The exhibition examines the pivotal role of the Limbourg brothers in creating this book and introduces the principal artists who contributed to it, exploring their unique styles and inspirations.

Crowdfunding

To conserve this priceless medieval masterpiece, the Condé Museum has launched a historical restoration project to prevent further damage to the parchment and paint and to repair the binding.

Link here to help support the restoration