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Portrait of the Author: Gaston Phoebus

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Gaston III Phoebus

Livre de la chasse, in French and Latin

Illuminated possibly by the Josephus Master and the Bedford Master

France, Paris
ca. 1406
385 x 287 mm

Bequest of Clara S. Peck, 1983

MS M.1044, fol. 4r
Page description: 

Gaston III, count of Foix (1331–91), was called Phoebus because of his golden hair or handsome features. He composed this treatise on hunting and dedicated it to his fellow hunter, Duke Philip the Bold of Burgundy. The manuscript opens with an author portrait showing Gaston enthroned, directing the hunters and dogs gathered around him. He wears a voluminous fur-lined orange houpeland with elaborate gold embroidery and large bombard sleeves. The poke sleeve of his black pourpoint is visible on his right arm. The narrow cape of his chaperon is draped around his neck and a tall bonnet sits atop his head.

Exhibition section: 

Luxury in a Time of Madness


