The Hours of Etienne Chevalier, No. 201 and No. 202: Etienne Chevalier introduced by Saint Etienne to the Virgin and the child

Artist Jean Fouquet, born in Tours (circa 1415/1420-circa 1480) produced portraits, altarpieces, miniatures and many other works. Etienne Chevalier, the manuscript recipient, born in Melun (circa 1410-1474), belongs to the influential circles of power under Charles VII and Louis XI. The realization of the manuscript is traditionally dated within the years 1450-1461, a strong period for the kingdom of France. The family of Etienne Chevalier held on to it until the eighteenth century, when the manuscript was dismembered and scattered. The Duke of Aumale managed to aquire forty of the sheets in 1891. He had a special cabinet, the Santuario, built in his Château of Chantilly, in order to present them framed and gathered by groups of four.

No. 201 and No. 202: Hours of the Virgin - Matines. Etienne Chevalier introduced by Saint Etienne to the Virgin and the Child. Two opponent images represent Etienne Chevalier, accompanied by Saint Etienne (holding in his hand the stone of his martyr) kneeling in front of the crown Virgin breastfeeding the Child. An angel choir stands in the background. The wealthy setting evokes the gothic and renaissance architecture where the recipient name and number appear.