4:30 p.m.– 6 p.m.

Lecture by Marek Zágora. Only in Czech. 

Among the best-known and most beautiful manuscripts of the 15th century (and the Middle Ages as a whole) is the Very Rich Hours of the Duke of Berry (Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry). The manuscript was commissioned by Duke Jean (1340–1416), the brother of the French King Charles V. The Duke was one of the most prominent bibliophiles and patrons of book art in the late 14th and early 15th century. At the beginning of this beautiful manuscript (which ranks among the books that have changed history) are illuminations depicting the twelve months of the calendar. All the images offer fascinating insights into everyday life in the late medieval era; they are full of wonderful details and medieval symbolism. Each miniature is topped by two arches; the smaller arch contains a chariot of the sun, and in the larger arch is a sign of the zodiac. Prayer-books of this type (with texts for the canonical hours) not only served to display their owner’s wealth and prestige; they were also an expression of personal devotion.

Booking advance 

The lecture will be streamed live on Facebooku and the gallery’s YouTube channel.

free entrance