The Hours of Henry VIII: A Renaissance Masterpiece by Jean Poyet Book

A product for the royal court of France, The Hours of Henry VIII created around 1500 by Jean Poyet, is one of the most splendid Books of Hours from this period. This magnificently illustrated lay book of daily devotions and prayers contains fifty-seven exquisitely hand-painted images all reproduced here together and in colour for the first time. The previously little-known Poyet (active c.1483-1503) enjoyed patronage at the courts of three French Kings. Not only an illuminator of manuscripts of the highest quality, Poyet also created panel paintings, elaborate drawings, and designed theatrical spectacles, all in a style that links Fouquet to Poussin. Author Roger S. Wieck provides a thorough examination of the importance both of this grand manuscript within its art historical context and of Poyet's artistic achievements, which fluidly merged the cool, late Gothic aesthetic of his native northern France with the avant-garde Renaissance style of northern Italy. All known works by Poyet are discussed and illustrated. The volume is enriched with detailed commentaries by William M. Voelkle and K. Michelle Hearne on each section of the Book of Hours and an analysis of the fascinating history of the manuscript (tradition holds that it was once in the collection of Henry VIII, hence its name today).Read More