Museum Home Past Exhibitions The Belles Heures of the Duke of Berry

November 18, 2008–February 8, 2009 at the Getty Center

ExhibitionEventsPublications

Admission to the Getty Center is FREE. No tickets or reservations are required for general admission. For hours, directions, parking, and more, see information on planning a visit or call (310) 440-7300. All events are free, unless otherwise noted. Reservations or tickets are required for performances, lectures, and courses.


Lectures

The Seduction of the Soul in the Duke of Berry's Prayer Books
One of the great patrons of religious art, the Duke of Berry was also a pleasure-seeker and a sensualist. In this lecture, Thomas Kren, senior curator of Manuscripts at the J. Paul Getty Museum, looks at the tension between spirituality and sensuality in the Belles Heures and elsewhere in the duke's magnificent collection of manuscripts.

Thursday, January 15, 2009, 7:00 p.m.
Getty Center, Harold M. Williams Auditorium

The Limbourg Brothers and the Triumph of the Belles Heures
The sumptuous paintings that illuminate the luxurious prayer book known as the Belles Heures were made by the prodigiously talented Limbourg brothers. In this lecture, Timothy B. Husband, curator of Medieval Art and The Cloisters, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, reveals the astonishing quality, beauty, and sense of discovery the Limbourg brothers achieved. Free; reservations required. Call (310) 440-7300 or use the "Make Reservation" button below.

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Thursday, November 20, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
Getty Center, Harold M. Williams Auditorium


Performance

Gordon Getty Concert: Ciaramella
As a lover of art and music, the Duke of Berry claimed as protégé the greatest poet and composer of the 14th century, Guillaume de Machaut (1300–1377). Early music ensemble Ciaramella explores Machaut's impressive collection of narrative and lyric poetry, songs, and sacred music, which influenced writers and musicians for more than a century after his death. Tickets $20, $15 students/seniors. Call (310) 440-7300 or use the "Get Tickets" button below.

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Saturday, December 13, 2008, 8:00 p.m.
Getty Center, Harold M. Williams Auditorium


GettyGuide™ Audio Player

Tour the pages of one of the most beloved illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages with the voices and insight of Phillipe de Montebello, director of The Metropolitan Museum of Art; Timothy B. Husband, curator of Medieval Art and The Cloisters, The Metropolitan Museum of Art; and Thomas Kren, senior curator of Manuscripts at the J. Paul Getty Museum. Pick up an audio player in the Museum Entrance Hall.


Saint Jerome's Dream / Limbourg
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Curator's Gallery Talks

Thomas Kren, senior curator of Manuscripts at the J. Paul Getty Museum, leads a gallery talk on the exhibition. Free; no reservations required. Meet under the stairs in the Museum Entrance Hall.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008, 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday February 4, 2009, 2:30 p.m.
Getty Center, Museum galleries


Point-of-View Talks

Nancy Turner, conservator of Manuscripts at the J. Paul Getty Museum and bookmaker, explores the Belles Heures. On loan from The Cloisters Collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art and exhibited disbound for the first time, the manuscript will be discussed from the perspective of how it was originally constructed. Free; sign up at the Museum Information Desk beginning at 1:00 p.m. on the day of the talk.

Saturday, December 13, 2008, 2:30 p.m.
Getty Center, Museum galleries


Course

Master Class: Manuscript Illumination
Artist Sylvana Barrett leads an advanced class in manuscript illumination focusing on the historic materials and painting techniques of famed illuminators, the Limbourg brothers, creators of the sumptuous Belles Heures. Participants prepare parchments, pigments, and binders to create a miniature in the manner of this 15th-century masterpiece. Previous painting or illustration experience required. Materials are provided. Course fee $165. Open to 14 participants. This class is now sold out.

Saturday, December 13, 2008, 10:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Getty Center, Museum Studios
Sold Out