Gothic Alphabet of Mary of Burgundy
This marvelous calligraphic masterpiece is a fabulous mid-16th century copy of a pattern book/primer created ca. 1460 for Mary of Burgundy at the behest of her father, Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. Large, elaborate Gothic initials are further embellished by animals and human figures that appear alongside and are sometimes blended with floral motifs, acanthus leaves in particular. They were created in the cadeler style meaning âto pamperâ in French and represent a precious example of a late-Gothic alphabet book, of which precious few remain today.
Gothic Alphabet of Mary of Burgundy
Although this splendid work bears the appearance of a model book used by scribes and illuminators to demonstrate their skills to potential clients, this codex containing a splendid Gothic alphabet originated as a primer for one of the wealthiest young noblewomen in 15th century Europe. Human figures, acanthus leaves, and grotesques can be found among the incredibly sophisticated and stylish Gothic initials of this rare late-medieval manuscript. Originating ca. 1460, the original Dutch manuscript is believed to have been commissioned by the Duke of Burgundy, Charles the Bold (1433-77) for his only child, Mary of Burgundy (1457-82). The specimen at hand is a splendid mid-16th century copy made in France and may have been used as a pattern book for the education of the young Mary.
An Elaborate Gothic Style
This manuscript contains a particularly elaborate and flourished version of Gothic script known as âcadel initialsâ from the old French verb, cadeler meaning âto pamperâ. It is also known as cadeaux in French for âgiftâ, which Michelle Brown defines as âa calligraphic decorative extension to the ascending or descending strokes of letters, usually on the first or last lines of a page. They sometimes feature human or animal heads.â Such pattern books evolved into copy books of specimens demonstrating the skill and virtuosity of the scribe. In this manuscript, human figures and acanthus leaves adorn the already elaborate initials and sometimes blend together, e.g. an acanthus leaf taking the place of a hat.
A Mysterious Masterpiece
Although lacking any indication of a precise date of origin, researchers have been able to discern that this manuscript was made in mid-16th century France based upon the watermarks on the paper itself and a note reading âA Châteaudunâ, which lies between Chartres and Tours and is the location where the paper was likely fabricated. An elaborate full-page âMâ initial found at the end of the manuscript may be a clue regarding the identity of the scribe who created this calligraphic masterpiece. Meanwhile, an awkwardly written note on f. 26v reading âFrancois Mâ could refer to a former owner, possibly the original owner, so perhaps the elaborate âMâ initial is a reference to this. Nevertheless, alphabet books from the Late Gothic period like this are extremely rare, making this lavish specimen all the more precious.
Codicology
- Alternative Titles
- Das Kalligraphiebuch der Maria von Burgund
- Type
- Manuscript on paper
- Size / Format
- 48 pages / 30.0 Ă 21.6 cm
- Origin
- Belgium
- Date
- Ca. 1550
- Epochs
- Style
- Language
#1 Das Kalligraphiebuch der Maria von Burgund
Language: English
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