Bible moralisée

Bible moralisée

As the title of the manuscript betrays, the Bible moralisée somewhat favors the moralizing interpretation of the Scriptures without neglecting other approaches to spiritual exegesis. In the attempt to describe its purpose, one could call it a book of edification. The illumination of our manuscript makes it outstandingly precious and it might have been commissioned by or destined for a high-ranking personality. The unique effect of this painted manuscript lies in its picture medallions set on colored, gilded grounds containing scenes from the books of the Old Testament. Their contents become obvious with the help of the accompanying text, which paraphrases the passage treated. The miniatures are truly charming, not only because of their narrative power, but also because of their plain and pristine character.

1,000+ Golden French Gothic Miniatures

The famous Bible moralisée is one of the most luxurious Gothic manuscripts of the 13th century. On 136 illustrated pages, no less than 1,032 picture medallions are to be found, as well as one full-page miniature which earned great interest for its depiction of God as the architect of the Universe. This magnificent manuscript strikes the beholder as a lavishly illustrated picture book complete with brief texts in French to explain the illustrations.

Uniquely Dramatic Narration

We do not know of many manuscripts in which the picture faces the word of the Biblical narrative in this manner. Our codex differs from other contemporary manuscript in its colors too, which in the basic patterns and figures lend it a somewhat subdued impression. The prevalent colors are dark blue and reddish-brown, used in various shades. The pictures play up their luminous effect with aid of the dark gilded ground. Vividness is achieved through enhanced motion and impetus of the figures. The compositions are generous and fill the medallions completely. Several figures transcend the set frames, giving the narrative a dramatic turn.

A Heavenly Picture Book

Our illuminated manuscript, which is "readable" even without the text, follows a contiguous formal concept: each page shows eight medallions displayed on patterned ground, thus forming a block which is flanked by four text portions on either side. These entities are surrounded with a narrow frame. The picture medallions are arranged two by two, one beneath the other, and combined with the adjacent texts to form a contextual entity. The upper section of text paraphrases a passage from the Bible and the scene is illustrated in the adjacent miniature. The text below contains an interpretation of the Bible text which is also illustrated. The illustration cycle is to be read, beginning with the picture pair on the upper left, to follow with the pair on the upper right, then the pair on the lower left and finally the one on the lower right.

God as the Architect of the Universe

The famous frontispiece of the Bible moralisée, not unlike a title miniature, depicts God as the creator of the world. The creation of Heaven, Earth, Sun, and Moon and the other elements is compressed in this one picture. The depiction of God the Creator stepping out, bending over the cosmos in front of him, and forming it by measuring it with a compass, has drawn the attention of many, not only for its impressive execution but also because it represents the importance of measuring and proportions in the Middle Ages in an unequalled manner.