Plan your visit. 225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street, New York, NY 10016.

Plan your visit. 225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street, New York, NY 10016.

MS M.50, Fol. 29v–30r

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

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.