No. 23Middle Ages
Gothic illuminationJeanne de Montbaston
Unknown – Unknown · France
Ran a Paris book business in the 1300s, under oath to the university.
All artistsGothic illumination
Gothic illuminationJean de Vignay presents his book to King Philip VI, c. 1333–1340. Jeanne de Montbaston. Public domain · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Illumination · Bookselling
Jeanne de Montbaston
Unknown – Unknown · France
A Paris illuminator and bookseller who ran a commercial workshop with her husband Richard, making illustrated books in French for paying customers. After Richard died she carried on the business herself.
Know more on Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)Fact file
- Born
- Unknown
- Died
- Unknown
- Country
- France
- Era
- Middle Ages
- Style
- Gothic illumination
- Disciplines
- Illumination, Bookselling
- Key work
- Jean de Vignay presents his book to King Philip VI (c. 1333–1340)
- Medium
- Pigments and gold on parchment
- Where to see it
- British Library, London, UK (Royal MS 19 D I)
Curiosity!
It is believedA Roman de la Rose manuscript attributed to her (Paris, BnF fr. 25526) is famous for the cheeky — sometimes very rude — little drawings in its margins.
What we know (and what we don’t)
- Documented
She was recorded as “illuminatrix libri jurata universitatis” — a sworn book illuminator of the University of Paris — and kept the business going after Richard died, by 1353.
- It is believed
Scholars attribute to her the pictures in several manuscripts, including this one in the British Library. None is signed.
- Not certain
Her birth and death dates are unknown.
Where to see her
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Exhibition list last checked 25 Oct 2026.