Additional miniature to Les Petites Heures de Jean de Berry. Duke Jean de Berry departing on a pilgrimage, circa 1412

Jean de berry is depicted here as a pilgrim. He is humbly setting off on foot to an unknown sanctuary. The old duke had himself portrayed here as a believer handing over leadership to an angel but at the same time still wearing the imposing attire of a powerful statesman. Observe his expression as he glances at the messenger ahead. This bears witness to the limbourgs' perceptiveness and skill in portraying the patron who had befriended them. Few artworks reflect so well the spirit of a maecenas as les petites heures. Jean de berry employed several artists for the illumination of this book between 1375 and 1395. The limbourgs added this pilgrimage scene in 1412 on the duke's request. The man on the right wears a houppelande. Date: circa 1412. Dimensions: height: 21.5 cm (8.4 in); width: 14.5 cm (5.7 in). Medium: illumination on parchment. Collection: Bibliothèque nationale de France.