Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy
Owners
Duke Philip the Bold, founder of the Burgundian dynasty, entrusted his Dominican confessor Guillaume de Valen with the commission of this manuscript in 1376. He paid the professional scribe Jean L’Avenant for its completion in 1379, but had a few texts and images added in 1390. Philip is shown in prayer within the historiated initial on fol. 13r, with the (now erased) arms of Burgundy in the border beneath. Small miniatures throughout the volume include further images of Philip and members of his family.
Philip the Bold kneeling before steps leading to an altar (Gradual Psalms)
This page was illuminated by the Master of the Grandes Heures. The steps represent the Gradual Psalms, prayers of spiritual ascent, while the Crucifix on the altar is the focal point of the patron’s devotion.