Illumination!

Jean Le Noir (with contributions by his daughter, Bourgot) - Psalter of Bonne of Luxembourg - c. 1348 - Manuscript (Inv. 69.86), 126 x 88 mm - Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (click photo for larger image)French illuminator Jean Le Noir (active 1331-1375 in Paris) is an important figure in the history of French manuscript illumination. He is first mentioned in 1331, in the service of Yoland of Flanders, Duchess of Bar. Later he left her employ to work for King John II of France (reigned 1350-64). In 1358, during John's imprisonment in London, he and his daughter, Bourgot, who is also mentioned as an illuminator ('enlumineresse'), were given a house in Paris by the regent Charles, in recognition of services rendered to the King. In 1372 Jean Le Noir received gifts from Jean, Duc de Berry, and is referred to as 'illuminator to the King and to the Duc’. The piece featured here is widely regarded as his main work. This psalter was copied and illuminated for the private devotions of Bonne of Luxembourg (1315-1349), daughter of the Bohemian king, the wife of Duke John of Normandy, subsequently King John II of France (John the Good, reigned 1350-1364). The book contains 150 psalms and a calendar. The miniatures were produced by Jean Le Noir with the probable contribution of his daughter, Bourgot. “The miniatures are characterised by sensitive, noble lines, and their silhouettes and internal modeling are marked by graphic refinement and delicacy. The miniature on folio 83v illustrates Psalm 53, "The Fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." The figure of the fool, an ugly fat man with a Semitic profile has been exploited for anti-Jewish propaganda.”