Master of James - Public domain illuminated manuscript

Gerard Horenbout was a Flemish miniaturist and manuscript illuminator who lived during the Renaissance. Born around 1465 in Ghent, Belgium, he was the son of a successful artist, Simon Bening. Gerard learned his craft from his father and worked in his workshop before setting up his own studio. Horenbout is best known for his illuminated manuscripts, which were highly prized by the nobility and royalty of Europe. He was particularly skilled at painting portraits, and his work often depicted members of the royal court and other prominent figures of the day. Horenbout's most famous work is The Hours of Henry VIII, which he created for the English monarch in 1500. The manuscript is considered one of the most important examples of Flemish illumination and is characterised by intricate designs and vibrant colours. In addition to his work as a miniaturist, Horenbout also produced larger paintings and tapestries. He worked for several European courts, including those of Margaret of Austria and Mary of Hungary. Horenbout died around 1541, but his legacy lived on through his children and grandchildren, who continued to work as artists and illuminators. Today his work can be found in museums and private collections around the world.