Hours of Francis I

Master of François de Rohan

1539–40 · Illuminated manuscript on parchment, bound in leather with gilt · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This is the only extant fully illuminated Book of Hours made for King Francis I (1494–1547, ruled from 1515). The eighteen illuminations in this devotional book feature the Gospels and various scenes from the lives of Christ and Mary. The most unusual miniature represents King Francis I kneeling before Saint Marcoulfe. By tradition, French kings venerated the saint's relics at Corbeny and were then empowered to heal those sick with the skin disease scrofula, called the "king's evil". With strong, bright colors and clearly defined compositions the so-called Master of François de Rohan painted the illuminations; the script is likely to be by Jean Mallard. To prevent light damage a different page will be revealed every few months.

Artist

Master of François de Rohan

Date

1539–40

Medium

Illuminated manuscript on parchment, bound in leather with gilt

Culture

French, Paris or Tours

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Purchase, several members of The Chairman’s Council Gifts and 2011 Benefit Fund, 2011