Moleiro - Les Heures d’Henri VIII - 1500-2015

Book of Hours of Henry VIII – Moleiro facsimile edition (2015)
Masterpiece of French Renaissance, an exceptional near-original.

Magnificent facsimile of the famous Book of Hours of Henry VIII (Morgan Library & Museum, New York, MS H.8), produced by Moleiro Editor in 2015.
This prestige edition faithfully reproduces the illuminated manuscript from around 1500 in Tours by the great artist Jean Poyer (or Poyet), regarded as his masterpiece.

400 pages with 55 full-page illuminations, of exceptional richness and dramatic force.

Format: ± 265 x 182 mm.
Faithful red velvet binding with silver clasps bearing the arms of Henry VIII (lilies and leopards), his monogram H.8.R. (Henricus Octavus Rex) and his famous motto “Honi soit qui mal y pense.”

Full-color commentary volume by Roger S. Wieck (The Morgan Library & Museum), in French.

Strictly limited edition to 987 numbered copies

This Book of Hours, Roman usage with a Franciscan calendar, is a jewel of late 15th-century illumination. Jean Poyer displays all his mastery of color, perspective and composition. The miniatures (Hours of the Virgin, Office of the Dead, etc.) are of rare beauty and intensity. Although there is no formal evidence proving direct possession by Henry VIII, tradition (strong and ancient) links it to the Tudor king, and it has belonged to several English sovereigns, including George III.

Excellent condition, book of commentary in French.