By or workshop of Jean Fouquet, about 1415-20

On vellum

1460-1465

Book of Hours (Horae Beatae Mariae Virginis), vellum, bound in red leather (eighteenth century) with red leather case. 178 folios containing 25 full page illustrations and numerous illuminated borders. Numerous later inscriptions of the sixteenth century in black ink, and several sixteenth century illustrations

This manuscript contains prayers to be read throughout the day and on different days in the year. It was used in the late 1500s by a French aristocrat, Lady Diana de Croy, as an autograph book. It includes a message from Mary, Queen of Scots.

It is possible that the illustrator of the book of hours was Jean Fouquet of Tours

Number of borders:153

Number of Illustrations: 22

Number of illuminated initials (decorative text in more than one colour) approximately 1156

No historiated initials

by John Ruskin

Pen, ink, and watercolour on paper

Painted over a four-year period, this small work is a beautiful example of Ruskin's ability to find profound wonder and spiritual beauty in nature's smallest, most easily overlooked elements.

In 2019, it was described by The Guardian's art critic Jonathan Jones as 'a mesmerising portrayal of green life entwined in the ancient scars and turbulent strata of a steep rocky mass.'

Read a Country Life article about this picture and the artist HERE.