The collection of manuscripts Jan Herman van Heek brought together in thirty years is a very varied one. His collection of paintings represents artists from a great number of European countries. His collection of manuscripts reflects his art historical interest in a similar way. He was primarily interested in religious manuscripts such as books of tides and bibles in all sorts and sizes. Van Heek developed a special interest in ‘tattered’ manuscripts, loose pages that had once been part of a manuscripts and miniatures cut out of books. He had some of these pages and fragments framed and - just like his paintings - they came to adorn the walls of his castle. Van Heek regarded miniatures as the predecessors of the art of panel painting. In an intimate and hidden way and usually made by unknown artists, they showed what was to become the glory of medieval painting.

For more information on the making of manuscripts, press A.

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