Romance of the Knight Zifar

Romance of the Knight Zifar

The Romance of the Knight Zifar is the first book that was written in the Spanish language. It tells the tale of the knight Zifar and his family who flee their home after a series of misfortunes, embarking on a journey in the hope of a better future. The adventurous tale of the destiny of the protagonists and the obstacles that they encounter is counted among the most beautiful literary works of medieval Spain. The text, recorded in painstaking calligraphy, is accompanied by 242 high quality miniatures. The pictures, richly embellished in gold and silver are true showpieces of Castilian Gothic painting.

A Codex for Emperors and Kings

In the Middle Ages, the adventure story was found solely in courtly environs. It served as a guidebook for the rearing of princes and expectant kings. The work was copied at the court of Henry IV of Castile and was used for the education of the king. The exciting manuscript thereby served the king not only for the learning of language but should have also conferred moral and historical lessons onto him. Later owners of the books were Queen Isabella of Spain, Margarete of Austria, and Mary of Hungary, the sister of Charles V. In the 16th century, the treasure found itself at the court of the Dukes of Burgundy, whence it was sent to Paris in 1796. Napoleon I, an additional admirer of the thrilling work, brought it into the possession of the eventual French National Library, where it remains to this day.

Magnificent Miniatures

An especially impressive characteristic of the codex is the astonishing miniatures, which illustrated the events portrayed in the text. 242 flawless pictures in vivid colors, splendidly embellished with gold and silver, are scattered among the pages of text. Miniatures of various sizes are included. The splendid illustration cycle of the book is probably the most beautiful example of Gothic Spanish book art in the Middle Ages. The Illuminators, Pedro and Juan Carrion, created the book adornment in a perfect collaboration. Alongside the exciting pictures, the text of the manuscript is adorned through the use of colored and golden ink as well as numerous colorful and florally embellished initials.