The Art of Illumination

Belles Heures of Jean de France, duc de Berry, 1405–1408/9. Herman, Paul, and Jean de Limbourg (Franco-Netherlandish, active in France by 1399–1416). French; Made in Paris. Ink, tempera, and gold leaf on vellum; 9 3/8 x 6 5/8 in. (23.8 x 16.8 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, The Cloisters Collection, 1954 (54.1.1).

Mass for Saints Peter and Paul
Death of Simon Magus, Folio 215r

The kneeling Peter and Paul are seen from behind as they cause the devils that were supporting the false magician to drop Simon and flee. Emperor Nero holds up his hands in horror as he watches with his courtiers. The “threaded pots” border is finished at the bottom with Jean de Berry’s arms in a shield supported by a swan, one of his personal emblems.