Great Hours of Rouen

Within the Leber Collection in Rouen, a splendid copy printed on parchment is adorned with meticulously hand-painted initials and exquisitely hand-colored prints.

Considered a pinnacle of perfection in the realm of printed works, the Great Hours of Rouen is a cherished masterpiece emerging from Antoine Vérard’s Parisian workshop. This meticulously crafted prayer book printed on vellum during the early 16th century intricately illuminates every page, adorning even text pages with ornate frames featuring small miniatures and floral embellishments. Blending the artistry of hand-illuminated manuscripts with cutting-edge printing technology, it stands as an exceptional achievement in book production history.

Beyond the conventional texts found in a book of hours, the manuscript showcases pages dedicated to astrology, reflecting the trend of the time. Among its notable features is the depiction of the “Zodiac Man”, symbolizing the celestial influence on specific parts of the body.

Antoine Vérard, a prominent figure active in Paris from 1485 to 1512, operated a flourishing workshop renowned for calligraphing, illuminating manuscripts, and printing books with colored woodcuts. His workshop catered to elite patrons, offering unique luxury editions printed on parchment and meticulously illuminated to create unparalleled works of art. The Great Hours of Rouen, housed in the Municipal Library of Rouen, is a prime testament to Vérard’s prowess as a publisher, bookmaker, and bookseller, attesting to his exceptional craftsmanship.

Vérard’s legacy marks a pivotal transition from illuminated manuscripts to printed books. He skillfully blended the two techniques by printing cost-effective works on paper embellished with woodcuts and then crafting opulent, hand-illuminated versions on vellum for affluent patrons, including nobility and the emerging bourgeois class. His elegant Gothic script, used in either format, appealed to distinguished figures like Charles VIII of France and Henry VII of England.

The Great Hours of Rouen leaves no space untouched, adorning every text page with woodcut engravings and introducing each section with primary miniature scenes. From the Annunciation to depictions of saints and astrological symbols like the Zodiac Man, the manuscript’s frames are adorned with intricate floral motifs and hand-painted ornate initials. This rich image program elevates this book of hours to a level of unmatched perfection in the realm of printed works during its time.

The facsimile edition of the Great Hours of Rouen is complemented by a bookcase for its conservation and a complementary study book made by subject matter experts.

This facsimile is a unique edition of 400 books numbered and authenticated by notarial deed.