Speculum Humanae Salvationis

Speculum Humanae Salvationis

The famous Speculum Humanae Salvationis, also known as the Mirror of Human Salvation or Liber Laicorum, is an influential work of medieval faith. The text, composed at the beginning of the 14th century, was the guide to a good, godly for Christians in Europe for over 300 years. The tales of the New and Old Testaments were united for faithful Christians. This text was widespread across Europe in countless forms. Having said this, only a single illustrated codex of the Speculum Humanae Salvationis has survived on the Iberian Peninsula.

North Alpine Miniature Painting in Spain

This unique manuscript of the Biblioteca Nacional de España in Madrid is stored under the shelf mark ms. Vit 25–7. The manuscript did not, however, originate in Spain, but rather in modern Austria, namely in Vienna or Innsbruck in the year 1432. The 68 parchment pages of the Speculum Humanae Salvationis are lavishly illustrated with more than 250 gorgeously colored miniatures. These spread out in a row on the upper third of each page as a frieze above the Latin text in two columns. An outstanding example of German miniature painting at the time!

The Fusion of Two Worlds

The miniatures present the biblical stories completely in the raiment of the Middle Ages. Knights and warriors in chainmail and suits of armor, typical 15th century garments, an unambiguously medieval-style crown, and numerous architectural elements with Gothic forms characterize this unusual impression. Thus, the beholder encounters saints in the shape of noble ladies and biblical events in front of medieval backdrops. Elegant, graceful figures in flowing robes people the fascinatingly arranged scenes. Numerous details highlighted in gold crown the high-quality picture cycle and lend the pages of the manuscript a glimmering charm.