The Hours of Catherine of Cleves

Date: 1440

Page # 714

Original Manuscripts Description:

Catherine of Cleves (1417–1476) is renowned for two significant aspects of her life: her Book of Hours and her prolonged legal dispute with her husband. In 1430, she entered into marriage with Arnold of Egmond (1410–1473), thus assuming the title of duchess of Guelders. Despite giving birth to six children, her marital life was marked by unhappiness, eventually leading her to refuse cohabitation with her husband around 1440.

The conflict between Catherine and her spouse was ignited when Arnold disinherited his only surviving son, Adolf (1438–1477). Rumors suggested that Adolf had accused his father of homosexuality. Catherine staunchly supported her son in this dispute, resulting in a period of chaos. The cities of Nijmegen, Zutphen, and Arnhem rallied behind Catherine and her son, while Roermond stood with the duke. In 1465, mother and son went so far as to imprison Arnold, compelling him to abdicate his position. As duke, Adolf spent six tumultuous years battling his father's loyalists.

In a shocking turn of events in 1471, Catherine witnessed Arnold regain his freedom and title, while her son Adolf was imprisoned. Arnold's death in 1473 sealed Catherine's fate, as he disinherited both her and their son. Tragically, Catherine passed away in 1476, never witnessing her son's release. Adolf's newfound liberty was short-lived; he too succumbed to fate the following year.