Master of the Mazarine Hours
Artists
The Master of the Mazarine Hours, one of the foremost illuminators working in Paris c.1400-1415, is named after one of his finest works, a Book of Hours (Paris, Bibliothèque Mazarine, MS 469). He is known for his luminous colour scheme and complex mixtures of pigments, carefully blended to create subtle effects. The Master of the Mazarine Hours was a close collaborator of another leading Parisian artist, the Boucicaut Master (c. 1390-1430). Important iconographic and stylistic parallels for the Fitzwilliam’s copy of Corbechon’s text are found in a slightly earlier copy of the same work, which was illuminated by the Boucicaut Master c. 1409-1410 (Paris, BnF, MS fr. 9141).
Christ in glory with good and bad angels (Book 2: On good and bad angels)
Emitting golden rays of light, Christ is shown at the centre of this image, surrounded by good angels clothed in white robes symbolising purity. Two good angels, armed with sword and spear, thrust out of heaven the bad, rebellious angels, causing them to tumble into the pit of Hell below. As they fall, the rebels are transformed into demons. Figures in the border include a seraph (six-winged angel), hybrid creatures and a bird.