Artwork Page for The Nativity: Leaf from a Book of Hours (3 of 6 Excised Leaves)

Details / Information for The Nativity: Leaf from a Book of Hours (3 of 6 Excised Leaves)

The Nativity: Leaf from a Book of Hours (3 of 6 Excised Leaves)

c. 1420–30
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Henri d'Orquevaulx

(French)

or Workshop

Culture
France, Metz, 15th century
Medium
ink, tempera, and gold on vellum
Measurements
Each leaf: 16.1 x 12.6 cm (6 5/16 x 4 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
The Jeanne Miles Blackburn Collection 2001.75
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

The popularity of books of hours lasted until around the 1550s, when the German priest Martin Luther, in his attempts to reform the Catholic Church, declared them full of “un-Christian tomfoolery,” and they fell out of favor.

Description

This leaf survives from what must have been an extraordinarily rich book of hours. Stylistically, the illuminations relate to the workshop of Henri d'Orquevaulx, a documented Metz manuscript painter. Little is known about d'Orquevaulx's life or career. Compositionally, structurally, and stylistically, the miniatures suggest strong links to Netherlandish illumination.
A vertically oriented tempera and gold leaf illumination on vellum depicts a nativity scene framed by elaborate floral vines. Under a gold-roofed stable, Mary in a blue gown holds Christ beside a woman and Joseph; all four have light skin tones. Below, sheep graze on green grass near a wooden tub and pitcher. The gilded border features a perched bird at top left and a rabbit fleeing a dog through stylized trees below.

The Nativity: Leaf from a Book of Hours (3 of 6 Excised Leaves)

c. 1420–30

Henri d'Orquevaulx, Workshop

(French)
France, Metz, 15th century

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