Restored Masterpiece: "The Very Rich Hours of the Duke of Berry" Showcased at Château de Chantilly Once Again
Unveiling the Gem of the Middle Ages: "The Very Rich Hours of the Duke of Berry"
Get ready, art enthusiasts! A stunning treasure from medieval times is making a rare appearance starting June 7, 2025, at the Château de Chantilly (Oise). This exhibition, titled "The Mona Lisa of manuscripts," showcases the exquisite "The Very Rich Hours of the Duke of Berry." After a meticulous restoration, this priceless work will be displayed for all to appreciate, significantly for the first time since 2004.
Ordered around 1411 by Duke Jean I of Berry (1340-1416) and crafted by the Limbourg brothers, Dutch painters, this masterpiece was further adorned throughout the 15th century by various illuminator artists. It features a breathtaking 121 paintings and is the most renowned of the "Books of Hours" commissioned by this patron of the late Middle Ages. During this exhibition, all these Books of Hours will be reunited for the first time since their patron's demise six centuries ago, thanks to loans from prestigious institutions such as Paris, Brussels, and New York.
A unique & immersive experience
The manuscript of "The Very Rich Hours" can never leave the Château de Chantilly, as per the wishes of the Duke of Aumale (1822-1897), who acquired this precious artifact after its rediscovery in Genoa during the mid-19th century. A remarkable restoration of the book, which has been unbound for the occasion, offers an exceptional experience. Its first 12 leaves, showcasing the calendar, will be presented unbound and readable recto-verso in special climate-controlled cases designed for the event. The rest of the manuscript will be displayed open to a double page, which will be turned every 15 days.
Restoration efforts have unlocked secrets about the creation of the manuscript, illuminating "every stage of creation and every brushstroke," as announced in the Château de Chantilly's press release for the exhibition. The representation of the medieval world throughout this work continues to create a captivating and idealized image of the Middle Ages in the collective imagination, making it a "global icon."
It's worth noting that precise records of public appearances for "Les Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry" since the end of the 19th century are not widely available[1][2][3]. Major exhibitions featuring this priceless artwork are infrequent and highly publicized, occurring only on extraordinary occasions, potentially only a handful of times each century.
During this unique experience, one might find themselves pondering the weather while marveling at the art of "The Very Rich Hours of the Duke of Berry." As a contrast, after delving into the captivating world of medieval centuries, one could unwind with a riveting book about the history of the Château de Chantilly or the lives of its illustrious patrons.
