The Paris Hours of the Duc de Berry

 Improbable Walks, Season 6, Episode 5: This episode focuses on the medieval manuscript business centered on these small streets, rue de la Parcheminerie & rue Boutebrie. I was inspired by the Duc de Berry and his book collection, currently on show at Chantilly. Images below include first, the Duc de Berry in a blue robe, as he is depicted in the January page of his Very Rich Hours. Next, a medieval map of Paris - notice Notre Dame on the Island in the middle of the map, and the circled area of the Latin Quarter to the right, showing the location of Parcheminerie--these days, no parchment here BUT you can visit the bibliophile delights of Abbey Bookshop at no. 29 rue de la Parcheminerie. Next image is a page from Christine de Pizan's The Book of the City of Ladies (as seen at Chantilly this summer) and also a British Library Board photo of an illustration showing de Pisan, from a compendium of her works commissioned in 1413. The last two images are two of my favourite pages from the Very Rich Hours. To see the work of Jean Pucelle, this is a nice image from the Met.

If you want to visit Chantilly, check out Heather Stimmler's excellent Secrets of Paris guide to getting there (Heather & I went out to see the Duc's beautiful book collection together, so the train info is absolutely up-to-date!) And book your exhibition ticket in advance, here on the Chantilly site.