Collaborations artistiques et leadership : le cas du Bréviaire de Blanche de France (Rome, Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, ms Urb. lat. 603)

Abstract

Focusing on the Breviary of Blanche de France (Rome, bav, ms Urb. Lat. 603), this study proposes a revised notice on this masterpiece partially attributed to Jean Pucelle. The analysis of earlier literature concerning the manuscript, with a re-examination of its possible patronage, is arguing for a more precise dating. Its unique place within the context of book production at the beginning of the 14th century is an opportunity to question the rise of Jean Pucelle as an artistic figure as well as his collaboration with first rank artists. Indeed, historiographic elements have contributed to the success of Jean Pucelle's artistic figure and induced as a side effect the lack of attention given to the other artists. Dimensions such as the perception of the leading artists' roles reflect the methodological difficulty to go beyond the individuality of the artist even if the state of research has demonstrated the complexity of working processes. This article will highlight the critical role of the artistic collaborations for manuscripts book production studies, within a tightly interconnected small artistic community.