Golden Age of Dutch

Dutch illuminated manuscripts of the 15th century were earthier and more realistic than their better-known French or Burgundian counterparts. Instead of an idealized aristocratic world, we have the fearsome ``proto-Boschian Hell-mouth'' depicted in the Book of Hours of Catherine of Cleves, one of the treasures spotlighted in this album. Biblical events are portrayed with fresh immediacy. While religious illumination predominates, there are pungently naturalistic glimpses of room interiors, landscapes and people--a pictorial repository of late medieval Netherlandish life. This richly illustrated catalogue of an exhibiton at the Pierpont Morgan Library in Manhattan will appeal most to art connoisseurs and students of Dutch culture. Along with the Cleves Hours, it samples the Egmont Breviary's mysterious, semi-impressionist figures, as well as works by many other predominantly anonymous artists. (Apr.)