Grandes Heures de Rohan – Illuminated Manuscript / Reproduction

Grandes Heures de Rohan – Illuminated Manuscript / Reproduction

Grandes Heures de Rohan (also known as The Rohan Hours) is a spectacular illuminated manuscript – Book of Hours from early 15thcentury France (circa 1425–1435), celebrated as one of the finest achievements of Northern Gothic illumination. The original manuscript is held in the Bibliothèque Nationale de France (Ms. Latin 9471). It was created by the anonymous artist known as the Rohan Master and his workshop, whose work combines richly painted biblical scenes, devotional prayers, calendars, and liturgical texts.

The manuscript features eleven fullpage miniatures, dozens of large and small illustrations, and extensive decorative borders, including Old Testament scenes rendered in a style reminiscent of the Bible moralisée. The expressive and emotional portrayals — particularly of Christ’s Passion and the sorrow of the Virgin Mary — distinguish this work as both artistically masterful and psychologically compelling.

Publications of the Grandes Heures de Rohan often appear as art books or reproduced editions with colour plates and expert commentary that explore the manuscript’s artistic program, iconography, and historical context. These editions are prized by collectors of illuminated manuscripts, lovers of medieval art, and scholars of devotional literature.

Contents: prayers, liturgical texts, calendar, Gospel cycles, devotional litanies, and a rich sequence of illustrations with emotional impact.

Origin: France (likely Paris or Angers), circa 1425–1435.

Language: Latin text with Old French captions.

Art: Northern Renaissance / Gothic illuminated manuscript.