I few days ago I answered the question on @askhistorians about the changes astrology underwent since the Hellenistic Era. It's going to be uploaded on my blog but first, we need illuminations to go with it! Here's the delayed #MondayManuscript I promised!
reddit.com/r/AskHistorian…
reddit.com/r/AskHistorian…
Come with me as I peruse medieval manuscripts online and search for pictures to illustrate my blogpost. Where should we start? I say we start HERE on @GallicaBnF with the MS Latin 7321-A that belonged to Louis de Bruges: gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv… 
Since this is a manuscript that was commissioned by Louis de Bruges, we find all of his usual marks of ownership like his creed "Plus est en vous" and his favourite siege weapon: the bombard cannon. They're just all over the place.
~ f. 1r
~ f. 1r
However, his coat of arms (originally found on several folios) was systematically painted over with the French royal coat of arms when the manuscript entered Louis XII library. It was surrounded by unicorns.
~ f. 1r
~ f. 1r
If you wish to know more about the French fleur-de-lys and its high symbolic value, you can read the following blogpost I wrote on the matter:
asinusdocet.tv/2020/07/02/the…
asinusdocet.tv/2020/07/02/the…
Back to the MS Latin 7321-A, the description written by the @laBnF let us know that it was illuminated by an anonymous artist nicknamed "Master of Edward IV (of England)". This lshort piece of information brings us back to a much larger political context!
archivesetmanuscrits.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cc6…
archivesetmanuscrits.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cc6…
At some point during his life, Edward IV was forced into exile. He spent much of it with his good friend, Louis de Bruges, who showed him around his library and nurtured King Edward with his passion for books. King Edward became a bit of a bibliophile himself!
~ 53r
~ 53r
Since then, Edward IV commissioned books to the same Flemish artists who worked for Louis de Bruges and it contributed to the unparalleled radiance of Flemish miniatures during the late 15th century.
~ f. 1r
~ f. 1r
On the matter of astrology, the MS Latin 7321-A is of the outmost interest for it contains a compilation of texts on the subject, including (but not limited to):
- Alcabitius' treatise on astrology;
- Ptolemy's Tetrabiblos accompanied with Haly's commentary;
Etc.
- Alcabitius' treatise on astrology;
- Ptolemy's Tetrabiblos accompanied with Haly's commentary;
Etc.
🔴𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
"[During the 2nd century A.D.] Claude Ptolemy wrote the most comprehensive synthesis on Hellenistic astrology, the Tetrabiblos."
~ f. 54r
"[During the 2nd century A.D.] Claude Ptolemy wrote the most comprehensive synthesis on Hellenistic astrology, the Tetrabiblos."
~ f. 54r
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
"Ptolemy wrote in Greek. Manuscripts containing his Tetrabiblos still survive to this day. [...] Haly’s commentary of Ptolemy’s Tetrabiblos, which was written in Arab, was translated into Old Castellan."
"Ptolemy wrote in Greek. Manuscripts containing his Tetrabiblos still survive to this day. [...] Haly’s commentary of Ptolemy’s Tetrabiblos, which was written in Arab, was translated into Old Castellan."
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
"That Old Castellan translation was in turn translated into Latin by Gilles de Tebaldis. Then, and only then, was Haly’s commentary translated into French [for Charles V of France, in the 14th century]."
"That Old Castellan translation was in turn translated into Latin by Gilles de Tebaldis. Then, and only then, was Haly’s commentary translated into French [for Charles V of France, in the 14th century]."
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
Sadly, Ptolemy's Tetrabiblos in MS Latin 7321-A is accompanied with zero illuminations beyond the frontispiece. The following astrological treatise, however, displays the full zodiac through 12 illuminations!
~ f. 174r, 175r-v, 176v
Sadly, Ptolemy's Tetrabiblos in MS Latin 7321-A is accompanied with zero illuminations beyond the frontispiece. The following astrological treatise, however, displays the full zodiac through 12 illuminations!
~ f. 174r, 175r-v, 176v
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
Each zodiac sits upon its element: Fire, Earth, Air, Water.
~ f. 177r-v, f. 178r-v
Each zodiac sits upon its element: Fire, Earth, Air, Water.
~ f. 177r-v, f. 178r-v
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
The Aquarius comes as an odd exception to this rule. It's like no one understands he'd be better symbolised as a cloud. Because you know what clouds do? They float in the AIR and they pour WATER.
~ f. 179r-v, f. 180r-v
The Aquarius comes as an odd exception to this rule. It's like no one understands he'd be better symbolised as a cloud. Because you know what clouds do? They float in the AIR and they pour WATER.
~ f. 179r-v, f. 180r-v
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
Let's head to another manuscript from the BnF: MS Français 1349. It also contains Ptolemy's Tetrabiblos but an earlier version of it since the manuscript was made for Charles V of France! This one, however, is illuminated.
~ f. 15v
Let's head to another manuscript from the BnF: MS Français 1349. It also contains Ptolemy's Tetrabiblos but an earlier version of it since the manuscript was made for Charles V of France! This one, however, is illuminated.
~ f. 15v
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
We have to appreciate the layout of this manuscript. Ptolemy's text and Haly's glosses are displayed with a different size of font and illuminations are contained within penflourished initials.
We have to appreciate the layout of this manuscript. Ptolemy's text and Haly's glosses are displayed with a different size of font and illuminations are contained within penflourished initials.
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
Another of Charles V's manuscript (MS Français 1348), containing another French translation of the Tetrabiblos, went for a different and more savant-like layout (very usual for classical text): the glosses are found in the margins.
Another of Charles V's manuscript (MS Français 1348), containing another French translation of the Tetrabiblos, went for a different and more savant-like layout (very usual for classical text): the glosses are found in the margins.
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
You'd wonder, really, what illumination cycle would be chosen to accompany Ptolemy's Tetrabiblos in MS Français 1349? Hint: it has NOTHING to do with astrology.
~ f. 3v, 5v, 15v, 25r
You'd wonder, really, what illumination cycle would be chosen to accompany Ptolemy's Tetrabiblos in MS Français 1349? Hint: it has NOTHING to do with astrology.
~ f. 3v, 5v, 15v, 25r
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
It was--did you guess it?--a biblical cycle depicting the main events of the Genesis! The creation of the world, Adam and Eve, Noah's Arch, etc. Odd? Not so much. Biblical scenes were illuminations by default.
~ f. 25r, 59v, 60r, 78r
It was--did you guess it?--a biblical cycle depicting the main events of the Genesis! The creation of the world, Adam and Eve, Noah's Arch, etc. Odd? Not so much. Biblical scenes were illuminations by default.
~ f. 25r, 59v, 60r, 78r
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
Nevertheless, biblical scenes to accompany a Hellenistic treatise on astrology strike as odd. So far, the Tetrabiblos failed to provide us with exquisite astronomical schematics or zodiac illuminations. Should we search elsewhere???
Nevertheless, biblical scenes to accompany a Hellenistic treatise on astrology strike as odd. So far, the Tetrabiblos failed to provide us with exquisite astronomical schematics or zodiac illuminations. Should we search elsewhere???
At this point I'm getting a bit desperate so I take the gloves off. I type "zodiaque" in the BnF online catalogue and hope for the best: archivesetmanuscrits.bnf.fr
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
I open something like 20 new tabs. I find the usual breviaries, psalters and books of hours. Some of them are nothing short of gorgeous! Like this 13th century manuscript: Arsenal, MS 1186; gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv…
I open something like 20 new tabs. I find the usual breviaries, psalters and books of hours. Some of them are nothing short of gorgeous! Like this 13th century manuscript: Arsenal, MS 1186; gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv…
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
I find the well-known Breviary of Belleville, of course: BnF, MS Latin 10483-10484; gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv…
I find the well-known Breviary of Belleville, of course: BnF, MS Latin 10483-10484; gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv…
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
As I'm advancing through the centuries, from the 13th to the 15th century, I also fall upon this lavish manuscript: Arsenal, MS 638; gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv…
As I'm advancing through the centuries, from the 13th to the 15th century, I also fall upon this lavish manuscript: Arsenal, MS 638; gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv…
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
However, it is one Arab manuscript (BnF, MS Arabe 2583) that really catches my eye! The illuminations feel so unique to me that I'm actually speechless. The Zodiac looks so original and "new" depicted as such!
~ f. 4v, 5v, 9v, 11v
However, it is one Arab manuscript (BnF, MS Arabe 2583) that really catches my eye! The illuminations feel so unique to me that I'm actually speechless. The Zodiac looks so original and "new" depicted as such!
~ f. 4v, 5v, 9v, 11v
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
I'm mesmerized by the oriental beauty of this manuscript. Several zodiac signs are depicted more than once so please peruse the manuscript yourself if you can!
~ f. 15v, 17v, 21v, 23v
I'm mesmerized by the oriental beauty of this manuscript. Several zodiac signs are depicted more than once so please peruse the manuscript yourself if you can!
~ f. 15v, 17v, 21v, 23v
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
Poor old Sagittarius is threatened by a head on its own tail! This is NOT the centaur you thought you knew. Capricorn is rescuing a naked lady from slaughter (it looks like). This is all insanely delightful.
~ f. 25v, 29v, 32v, 35v
Poor old Sagittarius is threatened by a head on its own tail! This is NOT the centaur you thought you knew. Capricorn is rescuing a naked lady from slaughter (it looks like). This is all insanely delightful.
~ f. 25v, 29v, 32v, 35v
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
This thread will now undergo a brief pause before we get to our final findings. Meanwhile, my loyal dog will watch over my Twitter account.
This thread will now undergo a brief pause before we get to our final findings. Meanwhile, my loyal dog will watch over my Twitter account.
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
If anyone knew anything about astronomy (and mathematics) at the court of Charles V of France, it would have been Nicole Oresme who translated many of Aristotle's work into French. I searched for him and found TWO pretty manuscripts.
If anyone knew anything about astronomy (and mathematics) at the court of Charles V of France, it would have been Nicole Oresme who translated many of Aristotle's work into French. I searched for him and found TWO pretty manuscripts.
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
Let's start with the BnF, MS Français 565. Other than the gorgeous illuminations, we do find a lot of astronomical schematics 💖🌠🌌
Let's start with the BnF, MS Français 565. Other than the gorgeous illuminations, we do find a lot of astronomical schematics 💖🌠🌌
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
I'll end our visit of the MS Français 565 on this illumination depicting the sky and the planets between the Earth and God Almighty (f. 69r):
I'll end our visit of the MS Français 565 on this illumination depicting the sky and the planets between the Earth and God Almighty (f. 69r):
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
The last manuscript of this thread (BnF, MS Français 1082) obviously belonged to John, Duke of Berry: we find his coat of arms and a black swan bearing his creed "Temps venra".
~ f. 3r
The last manuscript of this thread (BnF, MS Français 1082) obviously belonged to John, Duke of Berry: we find his coat of arms and a black swan bearing his creed "Temps venra".
~ f. 3r
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
This manuscript contains schematic the other doesn't, especially in regard of the relation between the macrocosm and the microcosm within the human body. Make it into a square and you might believe it's Da Vinci's work.
~ 82r
This manuscript contains schematic the other doesn't, especially in regard of the relation between the macrocosm and the microcosm within the human body. Make it into a square and you might believe it's Da Vinci's work.
~ 82r
🔴 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | #MondayManuscript
That's all folks! I should now have all the illuminations needed to illustrate my @askhistorians answer into a gorgeous blogpost! I leave you on this enigmatig figure and go fight some random match on Age of Empires 2. See you!
~ 85v
That's all folks! I should now have all the illuminations needed to illustrate my @askhistorians answer into a gorgeous blogpost! I leave you on this enigmatig figure and go fight some random match on Age of Empires 2. See you!
~ 85v
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