Grand Hours of Rohan Commentary

This exceptional manuscript, regarded as a private prayer and devotional book, defied conventions prevalent in medieval books of hours. Its unparalleled pictorial program redefined traditional image cycles, featuring an array of novel themes and a profusion of imaginative ideas. With over four hundred sixty pages adorned with twelve full-page, fifty-four half-page, and four hundred sixty-six mid-sized miniatures, the Grand Hours of Rohan remains an exquisite testament to artistic excellence.

Attributed to the remarkably talented Rohan Master and a team of equally skilled assistants, the Grand Hours of Rohan brilliance transcends not only its innovative image program but also its intriguing and enigmatic history of ownership.

Named after a later owner from the House of Rohan, this book of hours has a storied past. While its exact patronage remains shrouded in mystery, its ties are speculated to the House of Anjou, particularly to Jolanthe of Aragón, wife of Louis II of Anjou, who possibly commissioned it for their son René. The Anjou family, known for their appreciation of the visual arts, holds a significant place in French history, having commissioned numerous precious illuminated manuscripts during the Middle Ages.

Its subsequent journey saw it pass through different hands, notably finding a place in the collections of notable figures such as the Duke de La Vallière, before ultimately reaching the French National Library in Paris, where it resides today.

Nonetheless, its journey through notable hands, including Isabella Stewart, Duchess of Brittany, adds layers of mystery and historical intrigue to this 15th-century treasure.

Featuring an amalgamation of artistic talents, the Rohan Hours bears testimony to the mastery of the Rohan Master, whose evocative full-page depictions and smaller miniatures leave a lasting impression. Alongside the Rohan Master, skilled illuminators from his workshop lent their expertise to bring life to the manuscript’s diverse imagery, including scenes from the Office of the Virgin Mary, the Intercession, and the Office of the Dead. Notably, the depiction of the Twelve Labors of the Month, accompanied by the zodiac signs, stands as a striking highlight.

The Rohan Master’s unique ability to convey human emotions through painting defines the manuscript’s emotional depth, a defining trait recognized by art historians.

Further enriching this remarkable manuscript are Old Testament miniatures inscribed in Old French within the margins, reminiscent of didactic codices like the Bible moralisée. These miniatures, echoing events from Jewish traditions, complement the main illustrations featuring events from the New Testament.

The facsimile edition of the Grand Hours of Rohan is complemented by a bookcase for its conservation.

This facsimile is a unique edition of 995 books numbered and authenticated by notarial deed.