Jacques Bruyant:
Le Livre du Chastel de Labour

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A charming picture book of secular poetry

hile at first glance it appears to be a Book of Hours, the Livre du Chastel de labour is in fact a charming picture book of secular poetry. It is a guide to happiness for the newly-wed nobleman, portraying in easily comprehensible pictures the age-old issues of living and working together congenially. As in a knightly adventure novel, the narrator sets out on a dangerous journey during which he is constantly confronted with the virtues and vices of the world.

Only one single illustrated copy in the world

The text was written around 1342 by Jacques Bruyant, a clergyman from Paris. A great number of copies bear testimony to the popularity of his work. However, only one single copy has been illustrated with countless colourful miniatures: the illuminated manuscript kept in the Free Library in Philadelphia under the shelf mark Widener 1. 46 miniatures – an exclusive work of art

The exuberant decoration of the Livre du Chastel de labour immediately catches the eye: its 73 folios in the format of 207 × 144 mm are embellished with a total of 46 generous miniatures whose glowing colours are charmingly highlighted with gold leaf, brush-applied gold, and even silver in some parts. In addition, each of the miniatures is framed with dense scrollwork consisting of gold-shimmering ivy leaves, interspersed with acanthus leaves, countless little flowers, and often fruit and animals.

Seventy-four carefully painted initials on golden ground decorate not only the illustrated pages but also some text pages that are likewise often enhanced with a golden vine scroll.

Discovering life and work in mediaeval times

The fascinating picture gallery of the Livre du Chastel de labour carries us off to the domiciles of mediaeval men, even to the seclusion of their sleeping chambers, past labouring peasants, blooming fields and green hills; we gaze up at the walls of massive castles or wander along winding paths leading down to the narrow streets of cities in the distance.

As unspectacular as these details may seem, it is precisely their ordinariness that proves captivating as an authentic document of reality, reaching us through the centuries.

The distinctive style of the Bedford Master sets the trend for further creations

This priceless work is part of a small group of illuminated manuscripts made in the circle of the famous Bedford Master from Paris. Starting from c. 1410 the talented artist remained one of the most significant illuminators in Europe for more than a quarter of a century. His art was inspired by the genius of the three Limburg brothers, but he also introduced completely new creative elements.

The well-balanced compositions from his prolific workshop are striking both for their refined colouring and for an unseen three-dimensionality of forms and faces.

His artistic influence is also visible in the Livre du Chastel de labour: The accomplished handling of perspective, the fresh colouring of the miniatures and the sumptuous borders impressively convey all the magic and splendour of the Bedford style.

"Der Weiche Stil" – crowning of the late Gothic period

Talented artists such as the Bedford Master in Paris or artists from his immediate surroundings were mutually inspired in the early 15^th century, raising the Gothic style to outstanding heights. A new common language of the arts emerged that was understood in Paris and Prague, Florence, Cologne alike: the so-called "Weicher Stil" (Soft Style) of the International Gothic was born.

Stimulated by the outstanding art of the workshop, the artist endorsed the revolution in painting and created a lavishly decorated manuscript which perfectly reflected the harmonious, even poetic character of the Soft Style.

His images help us discover the medieval world largely through details: individualistic facial expressions and countless realistic elements, such as bedroom furniture, tools and garments betray his exact sense of observation. Softly flowing drapery folds create a completely personal form of realistic rendering.

The Fine Art Facsimile edition

The Fine Art Facsimile edition of the Livre du Chastel de labour is strictly limited to 980 hand-numbered copies worldwide. The rich decoration is re-created down to the tiniest detail, in perfect imitation of the original. The glowing colours of its 46 miniatures, 74 gold initials, and opulent borders are captured in all fine shades, as are the different effects of the glittering gold leaf, shimmering gold, and the silver portions. All 73 folios of the codex are reproduced in the format 207 × 144 mm and trimmed to match the original book.

The facsimile binding perfectly imitates the current original binding, a red velvet binding, complete with precious gilt edges and four gilt silver fittings.

The Commentary Volume

The comprehensive commentary by Eberhard König (Freie Universität Berlin and William Lang (Director of the Rare Books Department of the Free Library, Philadelphia reveals the mysterious world of the Livre du Chastel de labour. A complete translation of the text into modern French and German allows us to submerge ourselves in the daily routine of mediaeval life.

The Fine Art Facsimile edition is available in an acrylic glass case.

Documentation Kit

A Documentation Kit containing 2 sample pages, in the original size, from the The Livre du Chastel de labour Fine Art Facsimile Volume, plus an illustrated, 12 page information brochure, is available for $US75.

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