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Noble Taste, Noble Style: Exploring The Concept Of Vivre Noblement In The Hours Of Engelbert Of Nassau, Ceallsach Vonehren Crouch

Art and Design Theses

The Master of Mary of Burgundy illuminated the Hours of Engelbert of Nassau specifically to fulfill the needs of the nobility of the Burgundian Court. By analyzing three different pages, I reveal that the Master created an “alternative reality” through the use of trompe l’oeil and other modes of highly illusionistic representation. In order to appeal to the concept of vivre noblement, or “living nobly,” the Master introduces the page as an accessible mental environment, allowing the viewer to shift between layers of reality with ease. The visual and mental intricacy actively immerses the viewer and promotes ideas of …