Grandes Heures of Anne of Brittany

BNF - Latin 9474 - Jean Bourdichon - Grandes Heures d'Anne de Bretagne - f. 3r - Anne de Bretagne entre trois saintes

Grandes Heures of Anne of Brittany
Language	Latin
Publication Date	1503-1508

The Grandes Heures of Anne of Brittany is an illuminated manuscript created between 1503 and 1508 for Anne of Brittany, the queen consort of France. This manuscript is renowned for its intricate and lavish illuminations, which exemplify the Gothic style of the period.

History

Anne of Brittany, who was twice queen of France, commissioned the Grandes Heures during her second marriage to Louis XII of France. The manuscript was intended for her personal use and reflects her deep piety and devotion. The work was completed by a team of skilled artists and scribes, including the renowned Jean Bourdichon, who was responsible for many of the illuminations.

Description

The Grandes Heures of Anne of Brittany is a Book of Hours, a type of devotional book that was popular in the Middle Ages. It contains prayers, psalms, and other religious texts, arranged according to the hours of the day. The manuscript is notable for its rich decoration, which includes full-page miniatures, historiated initials, and elaborate borders.

Illuminations

The illuminations in the Grandes Heures are among the finest examples of Gothic art. They include scenes from the Bible, depictions of saints, and images of the Virgin Mary. The borders are adorned with a variety of motifs, including flowers, animals, and mythical creatures. The use of gold leaf and vibrant colors adds to the manuscript's opulence.

Text

The text of the Grandes Heures is written in Latin, the liturgical language of the Catholic Church. It follows the Roman Rite and includes the Liturgy of the Hours, a set of prayers recited at specific times of the day. The manuscript also contains a calendar of saints' feast days, which is illustrated with scenes from the lives of the saints.

Significance

The Grandes Heures of Anne of Brittany is an important example of Renaissance art and a testament to the skill of its creators. It provides valuable insights into the religious practices and artistic tastes of the French court during the early 16th century. The manuscript is also significant for its association with Anne of Brittany, a key figure in French history.

Current Location

The Grandes Heures of Anne of Brittany is currently housed in the Bibliothèque nationale de France in Paris. It is considered one of the treasures of the library's collection and is occasionally displayed in exhibitions.

See Also

• Anne of Brittany
• Illuminated manuscript
• Book of Hours
• Jean Bourdichon
• Gothic art
• Bibliothèque nationale de France