Leaf from a Book of Hours: St. Matthew

c. 1415–20

follower of Limbourg Brothers

(Netherlandish)

Culture

France, Paris (?), 15th century

Medium

ink, tempera and gold on vellum

Measurements

Leaf: 18.1 x 13 cm (7 1/8 x 5 1/8 in.)

Credit Line

The Jeanne Miles Blackburn Collection 2005.204

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

This miniature would have marked the beginning of the gospel hours in a book of hours.

Description

The style of this miniature can be linked to the Limbourg Brothers, celebrated Dutch miniature painters who were active in France, particularly Burgundy. They are known to have first worked for Philip the Bold, duke of Burgundy, and later for Duke Jean de Berry. The palette of this miniature, with its ultramarine blues, soft pink, and pale green, as well
as the crisp geometric pattern behind the figure, is typical of the Limbourgs’ work. In a book of hours, this miniature would have introduced the start of the gospel lessons.