Before the fifteenth century, manuscript illuminations paid little heed to the laws of nature, with religious symbolism taking precedence over naturalism. This fantastically detailed page illustrates the Limbourg Brothers’ keen observation of the natural world. The above image is taken from the calendar section of the Très Riches Heures, specifically the month of February. Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry (February), with detail on the right, by The Limbourg Brothers, 1412-40, in the Condé Museum, Château de Chantilly These were the Belles Heures and Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry – undoubtedly, two of the most lavish manuscripts that survive from the middle ages.

However, the brothers’ most famous commissions were for Philip’s brother, Jean de France, Duc de Berry (also brother to King Charles V of France). They were extremely talented illuminators and were even commissioned to illustrate a Bible for the Duke of Burgundy, Philip the Bold. While the other Renaissance painters on this list specialized in oil on wooden panels, the Limbourg Brothers were masters of manuscript illumination.

Herman, Paul and Jean de Limbourg – more commonly known as the Limbourg Brothers – were born in Nijmegen sometime between 13. The Original Northern Renaissance Painters: The Limbourg Brothers The Belles Heures of Jean de France, duc de Berry (f.30r: The Annunciation) by The Limbourg Brothers, 1405-09 via The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Famous reformation portrait painter