The Duc de Berry: the man himself

The Duc de Berry: the man himself 'Les Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry' at the Château de Chantilly until 5 October

The 'Très Riches Heures' is one of the most spectacular illuminated manuscripts ever created. Commissioned by the Duc du Berry and created some time around 1411 by the Limbourg Brothers - Herman, Paul and Jean - it could even be the most famous manuscript in the world. Somehow, I have always known about it, but I never thought I would ever see it - let alone visit an exhibition which celebrates not only it's production, but also the man who owned it.

In the first of these two talks we will have looked at the manuscript itself. It can currently be seen alongside around 150 other exhibits which help to explain its production, its context, and its enduring appeal. In the words of the curators, '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.'

In this second talk (of two) we will explore the exhibition in depth, and so get a better understanding of the man who commissioned this remarkable, and usually inaccessible, masterpiece, as well as seeing an astonishing selection of objects of great beauty.

Please remember, I do not record my talks.