Limbourg << LIHM burkh >> brothers were three noted manuscript painters called illuminators. Illuminated manuscripts are richly illustrated with miniature paintings and decorated borders. Herman, Jean, and Pol de Limbourg worked in France for the Duc de Berry, a wealthy art patron. Their most famous manuscript for the duke was a prayer book called Les Tres Riches Heures (The Very Rich Hours). One section of the book is a calendar showing the activities of each month. In the vividly colored illuminations, beautiful lords and ladies amuse themselves while peasants work in front of exquisitely painted castles.
The Limbourgs were born in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. All three brothers died in February 1416, possibly of plague.