The Second Book of Hours of Anne de Montmorency, Constable of France: A Masterpiece by the Master of François de Rohan dated 1539 with 35 Miniatures in Immaculate Condition

Book of Hours. Illuminated manuscript on vellum with 14 full-page miniatures and 21 smaller miniatures by the Master of François de Rohan. Paris, dated 1539. 98 leaves, complete and in mint condition. Large octavo (230 x 136 mm). Red morocco binding of the 18th century.

This Book of Hours was created for Grand Constable of France Anne de Montmorency, a most influential member of the court of King Francis I and second-in-command to the king himself. Dated 1539, it was made in Paris by the Master of François de Rohan, an anonymous artist responsible for many manuscript miniatures for French nobility, as well as numerous woodcuts intended for printed books. 

The miniatures in this book, the second of two Books of Hours in which this master was working for Anne de Montmorency (the first, about ten years earlier, was mostly painted by Noel Bellemare and has also been in our possession), are notable for their expressive colours and drapery, as well as a strong sense of emotion. The artist was undoubtedly familiar with paintings from the southern German-speaking areas of Europe, as reflected in his unique landscapes with mountains etc., which are unparalleled in contemporary book illumination.

This manuscript has been described in great detail in our catalogue 82 “Paris mon Amour V”, lot 65. Click here to view the eCatalogue or order the printed version in our Online Shop.

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