“The Exaltation of the Cross” is an exquisite illustration by the Limbourg brothers, belonging to the International Gothic art movement. This artwork is part of the series “Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry,” a richly decorated book of hours commissioned by the Duke of Berry.
The artwork depicts a reverential scene centered around a grand altar within an ornate architectural setting. At the center of the composition, the cross is exalted, adorned with intricate design and precious gems, capturing the viewer’s attention. Flanked by a group of figures in elaborate and colorful garments, the scene portrays a sense of solemn devotion and reverence. Clerical figures in clerical attire are surrounded by attendants and nobles, all engaged in the act of worship and veneration. Above the altar, architectural elements frame the central event, with statues and intricate details enhancing the scene’s opulence. The surrounding text and decorative margins are typical of illuminated manuscripts, adding to the artwork’s historical and cultural significance. The artwork exemplifies the detail and richness typical of the International Gothic style, emphasizing elaborate decoration and vivid coloration.
