Description

The official book accompanying the unique exhibition of the ‘Mona Lisa’ among manuscripts

The Très Riches Heures of Jean, Duke of Berry is the best-preserved and one of the most magnificently exquisitely detailed manuscripts of the fifteenth century. Handmade around 1410 for the Duke of Berry, a prominent figure in France, this Book of Hours is known as a masterpiece of international Gothic art. It combines intriguing naturalism with imaginative, lively compositions on 206 parchment pages. The famous calendar section, created by the Van Lymborch brothers, contains breathtaking monthly scenes that foreshadow the work of Jan Van Eyck and the outstanding painters of the fifteenth century in the southern Netherlands.

After careful analysis and restoration, this rare treasure will be exhibited at the Musée Condé in Chantilly. For the first and probably only time, visitors will have the chance to see the iconic calendar pages unbound and fully restored, providing a unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty and historical significance of this unrivalled Medieval masterpiece.

This publication accompanies the exhibition at the Musée Condé in Chantilly from 7 June to 5 October 2025.