Jean Poyer
Angels Displaying the Crown of Thorns (fol. 30, right)
ca. 1492–95
Prayer Book of Anne de Bretagne
Illuminated by Jean Poyer
126 x 80 mm
MS M.50 (fol. 29v–30r)
The Pierpont Morgan Library, Purchased in 1905
Catalog link
Poyer's penultimate image offers an immediate and intimate encounter with a powerful symbol of Christ's Passion.
Anne de Bretagne was particularly devoted to the Crown of Thorns. King Louis IX of France had acquired the Crown of Thorns in 1239; he built the Ste.-Chapelle as a suitable church in which to house it and other relics. Anne de Bretagne, as queen, had particular and private access to the chapelle and its precious contents.