The Book of Hours of Jeanne d'Evreux is a beautifully illuminated manuscript created in the early 14th century for Jeanne d'Evreux, the queen of France. This book represents a personal prayer book that reflects the structure, function, and decoration characteristic of Books of Hours, designed to facilitate private devotion and prayer for the laity.
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The Book of Hours of Jeanne d'Evreux was commissioned by Queen Jeanne in 1324 and is attributed to the famous artist Jean Pucelle, who is noted for his exquisite miniature paintings.
This manuscript includes a calendar, prayers, psalms, and sections for specific feast days, reflecting the personal devotion practices popular among the nobility during the Gothic period.
The decoration features intricate historiated initials, marginal illustrations, and rich colors that enhance the text, making it not only a functional book but also a work of art.
The Book of Hours became widely popular in the late Middle Ages, serving as a model for future devotional manuscripts created for both elite and common individuals.
Its significance lies in how it illustrates the transition of liturgical practices from communal worship to individual piety, embodying the increasing emphasis on personal spirituality.
Review Questions
How does the Book of Hours of Jeanne d'Evreux exemplify the characteristics and functions of Books of Hours in medieval society?
The Book of Hours of Jeanne d'Evreux exemplifies the characteristics of Books of Hours through its carefully structured content that includes prayers, psalms, and a calendar for personal devotion. It reflects the function of these books as tools for individual spirituality during medieval times, allowing users to engage in private prayer outside of communal worship settings. The manuscript's elaborate decoration further highlights its importance as both a personal spiritual guide and a status symbol among the elite.
Analyze the artistic features found within the Book of Hours of Jeanne d'Evreux and their significance in the context of Gothic Art.
The artistic features of the Book of Hours include intricately designed historiated initials and vibrant miniatures that showcase the high level of craftsmanship typical of Gothic Art. These elements are significant as they not only serve a decorative purpose but also enhance the reader's experience by visually narrating biblical stories or saints' lives. The use of gold leaf and rich colors exemplifies the opulence associated with manuscripts commissioned by royalty, reinforcing their role as both devotional tools and art pieces.
Evaluate how the Book of Hours of Jeanne d'Evreux reflects broader social changes in medieval Europe regarding personal devotion and lay piety.
The Book of Hours of Jeanne d'Evreux reflects broader social changes in medieval Europe by illustrating a shift from communal liturgical practices to a growing emphasis on individual devotion. As literacy rates rose among the laity and access to religious texts became more common through books like these, people began to seek more personal forms of spirituality. This manuscript not only catered to this demand but also symbolized the emerging importance of personal faith as part of daily life among the nobility, indicating a transformation in how religion was practiced during this period.
Related terms
Illuminated Manuscript: A handwritten book that features elaborate decoration, including gold or silver leaf and colorful illustrations, often used in religious texts.
Devotional Practices: The individual acts of worship and religious observance performed by laypeople, often involving personal prayer or meditation using texts like Books of Hours.
Gothic Art: An artistic style prevalent in Europe from the 12th to the 16th centuries characterized by intricate details, elongated forms, and an emphasis on light and color in both architecture and decorative arts.