Berry Apocalypse

The Berry Apocalypse - 85 unique Miniatures for the Duc of Berry
 

85 Unique Miniatures for the Duke of Berry

Experts consider the Berry Apocalypse to be one of the most impressive manuscripts from the collection of the Duke of Berry. This cycle of illustrations on the Book of Revelation, now cataloged as MS M.133 in the Morgan Library & Museum in New York, is one of the most richly illustrated manuscripts from the significant collection of this greatest bibliophile of the late Middle Ages. The manuscript was presumably created around 1410 in Paris, and the artist was named the Master of the Berry Apocalypse after this major work. On Folio 86v, there is an inscription that indicates Jean Duc de Berry, the most famous bibliophile of the Middle Ages, as the owner of the manuscript: "Ce livre est au Duc de Berry Jehan".

A Unique Visionary Cycle of Images

On 87 large-format parchment leaves, there are 85 expressive miniatures of exceptional quality and drama that depict the content of the visionary text. The artistic execution is unique in style and iconography, inviting the viewer to focus on the essential content: the focus in the scenes is clearly placed on the figures and events. Through this emphasis, the artist creates a unique cycle of images with extraordinary interpretations, imaginative iconography, and a clear word-image context.

Expressive Figures on Colorful Backgrounds

The manuscript was significantly influenced by the English-French illustration group of the Apocalypse from the 13th to 15th centuries, yet it stands out for its unique style. The text is written in Middle French, and the miniatures, always positioned on the left of the corresponding page, are often accompanied by Latin rubrics. The biblical text is followed by excerpts from Berengaudus' interpretation of the Book of Revelation.

The Duke of Berry's Collection – A Library of Superlatives

The manuscript of the Revelation of the Berry Master was part of what is probably the most significant library of the late Middle Ages: the collection of the art-loving and bibliophile collector Jean, Duke of Berry. His library comprised over 300 manuscripts, the most famous being the Très Riches Heures, now in the Musée Condé in Chantilly. The life of the Duke of Berry was marked by three major events: the plague in his youth, the Hundred Years' War, and the Papal Schism. The Berry Apocalypse fits like no other manuscript from his library into this turbulent time and certainly served as a book of consolation and eschatological expectation towards the end of his life.

An Incredible Series of Images Illustrates the Mysterious Last Book of the New Testament

The true-to-original facsimile edition of the manuscript MS M.133 from the Morgan Library & Museum in New York is available in a strictly limited edition of only 900 copies worldwide. 85 large-format miniatures and numerous initials illustrate the incredible Apocalypse of the Duke of Berry on 87 leaves in the format of 30.2 x 20.8 cm. The original binding, a velvet cover in noble dark orange, is faithfully reproduced – with artistically engraved silver fittings and the likewise finely engraved silver clasp in the shape of the French lily. A luxury case protects the valuable edition.

The scholarly companion volume by Richard K. Emmerson explores all aspects of the manuscript, traces its exciting history, and explains all the miniatures and initials in detail.

"The Berry Apocalypse: A masterpiece of medieval book art that reveals the mysteries of Revelation in 85 breathtaking miniatures."