Book of Hours, Paris c. 1410
Illuminated manuscript in Latin and French on vellum. With 26 miniatures (10 large and 16 small) by the Boucicaut Master and his workshop
The book is notable because the miniatures show a knowledge of conventional illumination, while at the same time displaying a sense of innovation: some scenes take place before the patterned backgrounds customary at the time, while other scenes take place outdoors beneath a blue sky. Throughout, the artist demonstrates his characteristic sense for a new, vivid colour palette. The miniatures furthermore surprise with figurative variations, and are accompanied by precious border decorations.
It was made for a member of the Corlieu-Lusignan family, and has previously been unknown to scholarship.