This elegant pocket-size book of hours was illuminated in Tours
around 1480 by the Maître des camaïeux d’or Le Bigot, who was
active in the circle of the painter Jean Bourdichon. The sixteen
tiny historiated initials in camaïeu d’or that are contained in
the manuscript succeed the usual repertoire with an original cycle
dedicated to the seven days of Creation. The artist demonstrates
his exceptional technical mastery by lending the body of the
initials an especially attractive evanescent character. The subtle
arrangement of the surrounding letters should invite the anonymous
patron to appreciate the meticulous combination of gold and colors
in detail.
