Jewel Book of Duchess Anna of Bavaria

This manuscript consists of a magnificently illuminated inventory of the jewelry owned by the Duke and Duchess of Bavaria. In 1552, the Munich-born artist Hans Mielich received a commission from Duke Albert V for the creation of 110 full-page miniatures showing off the highlights of their magnificent collection including 108 miniatures of 71 agraffes, pendants, applications, necklaces, neck bands, and a mounted bezoar (a small bag attached the belt used for holding a bouquet of flowers) as well as a miniature of the ducal couple playing chess and another of their combined coat of arms. Some jewels owned by Duke William IV and Duchess Jakobea von Baden are also included in the manuscript. The jewels are presented in their original size, sometimes from both front and back, with cartouches and other variously designed backgrounds. Completed ca. 1555, these incredibly detailed and realistic miniatures are a testament to Mielich’s skill as an artist as well as the refined taste in jewellry of Duke Albert and Duchess Anna.