Lot n° 143
Estimation :
3000 - 6000
EUR
Xavier de LANGLAIS (1906-1975) - Lot 143
Xavier de LANGLAIS (1906-1975)
Anne of Brittany reading her Book of Hours
Oil on canvas
Signed and dated "12.IV.1950" lower left
Minor wear and tears
Dim. 60 x 73 cm
Bibliography :
- Denise Delouche, "Xavier de Langlais et la Bretagne", ed. Coop Breizh, 1999
This gentle work depicts Queen Anne of Brittany and her page holding her Book of Hours against a backdrop of hangings, one of which is decorated with ermines. Anne's hand sign is a mark of her royal position. The reading of this book is probably an allusion to the Grand Livre d'Heures commissioned by the queen from the Touraine illuminator Jean Bourdichon in the early 16th century, and now kept in the Manuscript Department of the Bibliothèque nationale de France. As the last representative of a sovereign and independent Brittany, Duchess Anne ranks among the most illustrious of women. Her name and image remain forever engraved in the hearts of the Bretons.
Heiress of Brittany
Anne, born on January 25, 1477, was sole heir to François II, Duke of Brittany and eternal rival of his powerful neighbor the King of France.
From an early age, no other duchess was promised to so many eligible parties. As the centerpiece of the duchy, Anne's marriage was the best way to preserve Brittany's independence against France's relentless attempts to erode its prerogatives.
AR SEIZ BREUR CENTENARY SALE 1923-2023
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