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Chaldean History, Chronicle of the Kings of Babylon

ca. 1505

This chronicle of the Babylonian kings written in the 4th century, translated into French and richly illuminated, was given as “a book of love”, in the tradition of medieval betrothal gifts, to Anne de Graville, lady-in-waiting to the wife of Francis I of France and the daughter of Louis Malet de Graville, Admiral of France and one of the greatest French bibliophiles of the Renaissance. The work is evidence not only of the intellectual rivalry that spread from Italy through the European courts at the end of the 15th century, but also of the desire of the ruling class, and especially ladies, to make the literature of Antiquity their own through the rediscovery of humanitas.

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: APF

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: APF

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: APF

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: APF

Artist: Bérosus (ca. 209)
Title: Anonymous translation in French and Latin Illuminated by Jean Pichore (active between 1501 and 1520)
Geography: Paris, France
Date: ca. 1505
Medium: ink and colours on parchment, gold highlights
Classification: manuscript
Dimensions: 25.4 x 18.7 cm
Inventory number: LAD 2014.029
Contact for images: [email protected]
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