Louis XI chairs the chapter of Saint Michel 1470

Jean Fouquet created this illumination on vellum, sometime in the 15th century. As a manuscript page, its value resides in the exacting application of pigment, ground from minerals, plants, and insects. The artist would have used these to build up layers of minute brushstrokes. Consider the deep blues and reds, set against the white of the gowns, dogs, and ermine trim. Note how skillfully Fouquet creates the impression of light falling across the scene, illuminating Louis XI and members of his court. This wasn’t just artistry. To achieve this level of realism, Fouquet had to mix his colors precisely, and apply them with enormous patience. It’s easy to overlook the labor involved in a work like this, given its refined elegance. But that's exactly the point. The manuscript's preciousness lies in the combination of costly materials and painstaking work. Appreciating the intersection of material, making, and context allows us to look beyond mere aesthetics. It asks us to consider the social and economic forces behind the creation of such objects.