Paris Alexander Romance

Paris Alexander Romance

Between 1420 and 1425, a richly appointed manuscript about the life of Alexander the Great arose in Paris. The document is undoubtedly one of the most magnificent codices of the Middle Ages, which is concerned with the life of the famous ancient hero. Nearly all of its 97 pages are adorned with gothic pictures and decorative elements. In total there are 86 colorful miniatures framed with golden thorny tendrils and over 100 multi-lined gold initials.

Alexander the Great, a Figurehead of the Middle Ages

It is not known today who commissioned this magnificent work. The book painter, who is responsible for the text, was named after his masterwork simply as the “Alexander Master”. It can also not be determined for certain, whether the work was intended for a specific recipient. Nevertheless, the heroic sagas and stories of Alexander the Great were greatly identified with the court culture of the Middle Ages and his deeds and virtues were held to be exemplary by many knights. The example of Alexander was used as a positive example in the education of young princes. Therefore it is possible that the Parisian example was intended for a young reader from a courtly background.

Fanciful and Original Miniatures

The Paris Alexander Romance concerns itself with the countless popular stories about Alexander, that were transmitted in many translations and adaptations up to the Middle Ages. His journey from Europe to Asia in 334 B.C., his education with Aristotle, his struggle against the Persian Emperor Darius, all of it made the ancient hero an example to medieval knights and rulers. The wondrous events of his life are depicted by the Alexander Master in his work with unmistakable colorfulness and attention to detail. He illustrated natural landscapes, knights in battle as well as daily life at court, medieval cities, garments and armor, as well as animals and mythical creatures in inexhaustible narrative pleasure. The travelling pictures were animated through people with individual facial features and expressive body language.

A Famous Owner

The history of the Paris Alexander Romance has long laid in darkness. Nevertheless, on the inside of the front cover is a handwritten entry which indicated a very famous owner. Namely, it is the logo “HR”, which stands for Henricus Rex and was the monogram of the English King Henry VIII. The inscription originates from the 16th century. Later, the work was donated to the British Museum along with the private library of King George II. Originating from this museum is the modern British Library, where the masterwork remains to this day.