Book of Hours of Alexander VI. Pope Borgia

The infamous "Borgia Pope" (1468–1503) was one of the most colorful characters to sit on the throne of St. Peter
This papal prayer book impresses with its 84 miniatures, most of which were created by the gifted Master of the David Scenes in the Grimani Breviary
The richly embellished miniatures seem like tiny windows into an artistic, biblical parallel world

Book of Hours of Alexander VI. Pope Borgia

Ms. IV 480 KBR (Koninklijke Bibliotheek van België/Bibliothèque royale de Belgique) (Brussels, Belgium)

Description

Book of Hours of Alexander VI. Pope Borgia

The Book of Hours of Alexander VI. Pope Borgia impresses with 84 gorgeous miniatures created by a whole group of talented illuminators, among whom the gifted Master of the David scenes in the Breviarium Grimani played a leading role. Some of the miniatures can be stylistically attributed to the circle of the great Gerard David (ca. 1460–1523) and may even have been executed by the master himself. Set within opulent frames featuring animal, plant, fruit, and architectural elements, and enriched by a lavish use of gold, the vivid, precious miniatures depict biblical scenes and other Christian iconography that visually complement the accompanying prayers. The precious manuscript was commissioned by an unknown person as a lavish gift for the infamous Borgia Pope Alexander VI (1492–1503), whose life and intrigues continue to make him one of the most fascinating figures in the history of the papacy. Remarkably, the original Renaissance binding of the codex has been preserved to this day—a testament to how highly the manuscript has been valued and protected over the centuries.

Book of Hours of Alexander VI. Pope Borgia

Created in Bruges around 1500, this exquisite manuscript served as a personal book of hours for the infamous Borgia Pope Alexander VI (1492–1503). It was given to him as a gift by an unknown patron, who—judging by the lavish decoration of this precious codex—must have been an extremely wealthy individual seeking to curry favor with the powerful head of the Western Church. For this purpose, only the very best would do.##Amazing Miniature Paintings for the Pope
Spanning the 420 pages are 84 grand miniatures with rich gold and silver embellishment. Light colors present a true fire work of miniature painting towards the eye of the beholder. The miniatures are presented as images in a window. They are always surrounded by a bright frame, which contains creatively ornamental flowers, animals, or depictions of fantasy, and is designed in an artfully and architecturally-minded manner. Both are either connected, or made into an entire page, making a large panel-picture. The content of the frame is always set in relation to the actual miniature. For example, the scene of the visitation of Mary is surrounded by luminous red roses. The Lamentation of Christ finds itself within a frame resembling an altar, with the architectural feel of a church. The actual miniatures reveal precisely rendered rooms in proper perspective or airy landscapes that artfully support the delicate yet physically present figures. The text-pages are also partly embroidered with grandiose borders. These contain suitable depictions as the background of the text, like the Arma Christi, or an impressive amount of ornamental decoration with architectural elements or depictions of plants.

The Famous/Infamous Borgia Pope

Rodrigo Borgia was elected Pope Alexander VI (1492–1503) in 1492. In order to win this vote, he had to use bribes and other criminal activities, which have inspired countless conspiracy theories. The life of the Borgia Pope has indeed lost none of its mysterious aura. Originally from an unimportant family, Rodrigo Borgia transformed the Borgia Clan into one of the most influential and powerful families. The well-known, infamous Pope led a depraved life and used the power given to him by his office for his own benefit. Corruption and intrigue were part and parcel of his tenure, making him an interesting figure for stories and narrative today. To grant him more understanding of his office, Alexander VI commissioned a private Book of Hours in the illumination capitol of the time, Bruges. Even today the pages of the book are bound by their original bindings, which were finished in Brussels by Antoine de Gavere.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: Libro de Horas de Alejandro VI. Papa Borgia
Stundenbuch Alexanders VI.
Livre d’Heures d’Alexandre VI. Pape Borgia
Libro d'Ore di Alessandro VI. Papa Borgia
Livro de Horas de Alexandre VI. Papa Bórgia
Stundenbuch von Borgia-Papst Alexanders VI.
Horae ad usum Tornacensem
Type: Manuscript on parchment
Size / Format: 420 pages / 18.5 × 13.5 cm
Origin: Belgium
Date: ca. 1500
Epochs: Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style: Gothic
Renaissance
Genre: Private Devotion Books
Language: Latin
Script: Gothic Textura Rotunda
Illustrations: 84 miniatures, 15 of which are full-page, 18 historiated initials, numerous borders
Content: Calendar, Salve sancta facies, Hours of the Cross, Hours of the Holy Spirit, votive mass for the Virgin, Hours of the Virgin with seasonal variants, Penitential Psalms, Office of the Dead, Suffrages
Artist / School: Illuminators: Master of the David Scenes in the Grimani Breviary, Gerard David (ca. 1460–1523) and / or his cirle, and others
Previous Owners: Pope Alexander VI, Rodrigo de Borgia (1431–1503)
Casimir Alphonse Couret

Available facsimile editions:

Detail Picture

Book of Hours of Alexander VI. Pope Borgia

Coronation of the Virgin

Increasing devotion to the Virgin Mary in the Late Middle Ages is evident in Gothic art, and scenes of her coronation as Queen of Heaven were particularly common in the 15th century. The Holy Trinity is shown under a beautifully patterned baldachin with a white dove representing the Holy Spirit hovering above the crown that is about to be placed on the kneeling Mary’s head. Christ’s wounds from the Passion are visible while God the Father is a crowned king with a globus cruciger.

Single Page

Book of Hours of Alexander VI. Pope Borgia

Veil of Veronica and Borgia Coat of Arms

This splendid miniature is one of the most artful depictions of the Veil of Veronica. According to legend, St. Veronica encountered Jesus on his way to Calvary and wiped the blood and sweat from his face with her veil, which became one of the most venerated relics during the Middle Ages.

Surrounded by a golden architectural frame, in which the Borgia coat of arms as the dukes of Gandía is featured under a papal tiara, St. Veronica stands within the walls of a castle. The size of Christ’s imprinted face is exaggerated and depicted by the Netherlandish master in the Spanish style with a serene face, bifurcated beard, and a cross formed behind his head by rays of holy light.