Quest for the Holy Grail

An incredible 15th century manuscript of the fifth and last Arthurian romance by Chrétien de Troyes (ca. 1140–90)
He tells the story of the young knight Perceval who seeks the Holy Grail with other knights from Camelot
After Chrétien de Troyes' death, the work was completed by several authors ca. 1220

Quest for the Holy Grail

Ms. 527 Bibliothèque Municipal de Dijon (Dijon, France)

Description

Quest for the Holy Grail

One of the most beautiful copies of the French verse narrative "Li Contes del Graal" or "The Quest for the Holy Grail", which the author Chrétien de Troyes (ca. 1140 – um 1190) began as early as the end of the 12th century, was produced in France between 1450 and 1460. De Troyes fifth and last Arthurian novel tells the story of the young knight Perceval, who eventually becomes an Arthurian knight and Grail seeker, and skillfully combines courtly prose with the Christian mythology of the time. Over 50 enchanting miniatures in vibrant colors make the adventurous journeys with their incredible dangers visually tangible for the readers. In addition, elaborate initials and fantastic borders with gold-glowing details adorn the 32,000 verse text. This large-format jewel of European literary history is now kept in the Bibliothèque Municipal of Dijon under the shelfmark Ms. 527.

Quest for the Holy Grail

The literary cycle with the mythical Holy Grail induced one of the most beautiful prose texts of all time. It is a French tale in verse by Chrétien de Troyes (ca. 1140 – ca. 1190). Unfortunately, the founder of the courtly romance was not able to personally finish the story of a youth who grew up in the solitude of the forest named Perceval, who became an Arthurian knight and Grail-seeker. Ca. 1220, it is presumed that several authors extended the already 9,000-verse work to an impressive 32,000 verses. The text consists of three parts, which are adorned by 50+ painting-like miniatures, rich initials, and a wealth of inviting bordures. Thanks to this opulent illumination, the 15th century manuscript is considered to be one of the most beautiful of the cycle.

The Adventures of Lancelot

In the three sections, de Troyes tells the story of the young knight Perceval, who began his journey in Camelot with other companions. On their way, they experienced unbelievable adventures and confronted great dangers. Thanks to the guidance of the Holy Grail, which lends them the necessary inner strength, they manage to bring an end to the fascinating journey. As a subplot, the French author tells the tale of the knight Gawain, who was the nephew of King Arthur.

A Courtly Romance with Christian Elements

De Troyes’ fifth and last Arthurian Romance can be considered an attempt to impregnate the genre of courtly romance with Christian elements and the legend of the Holy Grail. Thus, the otherwise chivalric and courtly virtues are Christianized and the knight is now God’s cavalier.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: Die Suche nach dem Heiligen Gral
Roman de la quête du Graal
Búsqueda del Santo Grial
Roman de Tristan en prose
Queste del Saint Graal
St. Graal
Type: Manuscript on parchment
Size / Format: 326 pages / 41.7 × 32.0 cm
Origin: France
Date: Ca. 1450–1460
Epochs: Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style: Gothic
Genre: Literature / Poetry
Language: French
Script: Littera bastarda
Illustrations: 51 masterful miniatures, numerous ornamental initials in red, blue, and gold as well as filigree floral borders
Content: Central portion of a French prose adaptation of the verse novel "Li Contes del Graal" by Chrétien de Troyes
Patron: Possibly Charles IV, Count of Maine (1414–1472)
Artist / School: Master of Charles du Maine (?)
Previous Owners: Nicolas Moreau, Treasurer of France (1544–1619)
Jean–Baptiste François Jehannin de Chamblanc (1722–1797)

Available facsimile editions:

Detail Picture

Quest for the Holy Grail

Sir Galahad Attacked by Assanon and Forty Knights

Arthurian legends were used to both instruct the medieval nobility on the Christian principles of chivalry as well as serving as a mirror for contemporary life. This miniature has been inserted into the relevant text and shows Sir Galahad fighting valiantly against overwhelming odds. Sir Galahad was renowned for being the purest and most gallant of all knights, so much so that Monty Python famously lured him into a castle full of 150 naughty, lusty virgins in need of a good spanking.

Single Page

Quest for the Holy Grail

Scenes from Camelot

This codex begins fours scenes from King Arthur’s court at Camelot. It is a wonderful specimen of French illumination ca. 1500 as it transitioned between the Gothic and Renaissance styles. These interior scenes were created with a remarkable sense of perspective and utilize a wonderful palette of primary colors.

The upper scenes depict King Arthur and Queen Guinevere at a courtly feast attended by twelve kings and queens. In the lower-left scene, nuns present Galahad to be knighted by Lancelot, who is pictured to the right resting a sword upon the shoulder of the kneeling Galahad. The figures are all depicted in the fashion of late–15th century France: short tunics and tights for men, flowing dresses with long trains for women.

Facsimile Editions

#1 Roman de la Quête du Graal

Ediciones Grial – Valencia, 1997

Publisher: Ediciones Grial – Valencia, 1997

Limited Edition: 870 copies

Binding: Gold tooled brown leather

Commentary: 1 volume by Carlos Alvar and François Avril
Language: Spanish

1 volume: Exact reproduction of the original document (extent, color and size) Reproduction of the entire original document as detailed as possible (scope, format, colors). The binding may not correspond to the original or current document binding.

Facsimile Copy Available!

Price Category: €€
(1,000€ - 3,000€)

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