John, Duke of Berry
A medieval French prince whose extravagant patronage of the arts created some of the most dazzling illuminated manuscripts in history.
1340–1416 (age 76)·Member of French nobility·Birthday: November 30
Biography
John, Duke of Berry, was the ultimate princely connoisseur of the late Middle Ages. The third son of King John II, he lived through the Hundred Years' War and the madness of his nephew, King Charles VI, serving as a regent. But his true legacy was not political acumen; it was his insatiable appetite for beauty. From his castles like Mehun-sur-Yèvre, he commissioned an astonishing array of artworks, jewels, and curiosities. His greatest passion was for books, specifically the lavish prayer books known as Books of Hours. The artists he employed, the Limbourg brothers, produced for him the 'Très Riches Heures', a masterpiece that captures the splendor of the court and the rhythms of peasant life with equal brilliance, defining the International Gothic style.
#1 When John, Was Born
The biggest hits of 1340
John,'s Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1340Born
1345Started school
1353Became a teenager
1356Could drive
1358Could vote
1361Turned 21
1370Turned 30
1380Turned 40
1390Turned 50
1400Turned 60
1410Turned 70
1416Died at 76
Key Achievements
- Commissioned the 'Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry', one of the most famous illuminated manuscripts ever created.
- Served as Regent of France from 1380 to 1388 during the minority of his nephew, King Charles VI.
- Amassed one of the most spectacular art collections of the 14th and early 15th centuries, including gems, tapestries, and exotic animals.
- Held the titles of Duke of Berry and Auvergne and Count of Poitiers, ruling over vast territories.
Did You Know?
His pet bear and monkey are recorded in household expense accounts.
He owned a now-lost gold and enamel mechanical swan that moved its head and wings.
The 'Très Riches Heures' was unfinished at his death and later completed by other artists decades later.
He was a major patron of the Netherlandish artists the Limbourg brothers.
“A prince should surround himself with beautiful objects to show his power and taste.”
