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Hours of Francis I

1539–40
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 544
This is the only extant fully illuminated Book of Hours made for King Francis I (1494–1547, ruled from 1515). The eighteen illuminations in this devotional book feature the Gospels and various scenes from the lives of Christ and Mary. The most unusual miniature represents King Francis I kneeling before Saint Marcoulfe. By tradition, French kings venerated the saint's relics at Corbeny and were then empowered to heal those sick with the skin disease scrofula, called the "king's evil". With strong, bright colors and clearly defined compositions the so-called Master of François de Rohan painted the illuminations; the script is likely to be by Jean Mallard. To prevent light damage a different page will be revealed every few months.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Hours of Francis I
  • Maker: Master of François de Rohan (French, Paris, active ca. 1525–1546)
  • Date: 1539–40
  • Culture: French, Paris or Tours
  • Medium: Illuminated manuscript on parchment, bound in leather with gilt
  • Dimensions: Overall, bound dimensions, confirmed: 8 3/16 x 5 3/4 x 1 1/2 in. (20.8 x 14.6 x 3.8 cm)
    Approximate dimensions of book in book cradle support:: 9 1/2 × 11 1/2 × 9 in. (24.1 × 29.2 × 22.9 cm)
  • Classification: Parchment
  • Credit Line: Purchase, several members of The Chairman’s Council Gifts and 2011 Benefit Fund, 2011
  • Object Number: 2011.353
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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