This beautiful prayer book was illustrated by an anonymous person who was nicknamed "Master of Claude de France". The nickname was given to him after he had completed this prayer book—it was given to Claude de France, queen consort and duchess regnant of Brittany.
This book was meticulously painted, and it is difficult to detect the brushstrokes as they are “tiny”, and “almost invisible”. The illustrator also completed another book, titled, Book of Hours.
Back in the 16th century, smaller books were deemed superior to bigger books. This book was created in 1517, and features 132 scenes from the lives of the Virgin Mary, Christ, and many different saints.
For the first time in 500 years, this master’s book will be reunited with his Book of Hours, in an exhibition at The Morgan Library & Museum in New York titled Miracles in Miniature: The Art of the Master of Claude de France.
Nearly two dozen works of this master will be featured as well. These amazing books will be showcased till 1 September 2014.
[via My Modern Met]