Master of Sir John Talbot and other masters

Exhibited by Dr. Jörn Günther Rare Books

Material Tempera and ink on vellum

Dimensions 21.1 × 15.3 cm

Place of Creation Flanders, Ghent or Bruges

Price Available upon inquiry

Status Vetted

About the Work

The ‘Croÿ-Arenberg Hours’ represents one of the finest examples of Flemish illumination and was made for a high-ranking member of the English royal court, as strongly suggested by the Tudor roses in its marginal decoration. The commission for this book was undoubtedly motivated by the patron’s desire for uniqueness and luxury.

Most of the large miniatures are the work of the Master of the Older Prayer Book of Maximilian I, a leading artist in celebrated manuscript projects. Another famous collaborator on this prestigious project was the Master of Sir George Talbot, known for his lively colour palette and magnificent landscape backgrounds. An additional enigmatic illuminator was an artist from the circle of the Master of James IV of Scotland, who also worked on the legendary Spinola Hours. The astounding, dramatic close-ups in the miniatures were copied from the groundbreaking image cycle created by Simon Marmion. Stunningly rich border decorations and single motifs on every single blank margin complete this one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

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Literature

Friedrich Winkler, Die flämische Buchmalerei des XV. und XVI. Jahrhunderts, Leipzig 1925, reprint Amsterdam 1978, p. 128, 168.

Anne Margreet W. As-Vijvers, "More than Marginal Meaning? The Interpretation of Ghent-Bruges Border Décoration", in: Oud-Holland 117, 2003, p. 3-33, here 4.

Gabriele Bartz, Marion Hanke and Beatrix Zumbült, Masterpieces. Catalogue 9 Dr. Jörn Günther Antiquariat, Hamburg 2008, p. 130-135, no. 23.