Codex Benedictus

Around the year 529, St. Benedict founded the Monte Cassino Abbey in Italy. Under the direction of Abbot Desiderius from 1058 to 1085, the monastery became one of the important cultural centers of Europe. The monastic scriptorium of Monte Cassino produced some of the most significant Romanesque manuscripts. A treasure from this scriptorium is the Codex Benedictus, which was created in memory of the monastery’s founding father. His life and works were recorded here in prayers, hymns, and illustrations. The codex was read from on church feasts and holidays during monastic services. The manuscript contains 66 large and small miniatures in fresh colors and gold elements.

A New Understanding of Spirituality

The Codex Benedictus originates from around 1075 and was commissioned by Abbot Desiderius. Different illuminators illustrated the book, in the middle of which stood the life of Saint Benedict. The codex also contains the stories of St. Maurus and St. Scholastica, the sister of St. Benedict. The illustrations include references to alterations in monastic life. The clergy won increasing political power and influence during the epoch of Abbot Desiderius. The relationship between clerical and worldly power changed, the question of church hierarchy returned to the foreground. These current events distinctly influenced the illuminators of the Codex Benedictus. Themes that were addressed included chastity, financial income, and the connection to powerful worldly people.

Masterly Miniatures

The manuscript opens with an image scene, in which Abbot Desiderius presents the codex to St. Benedict. The Monte Cassino Abbey is depicted in the background in shining radiance. The possessions of the monastery sprawl into a landscape at the feet of both people. This pompous opening scene is followed by numerous additional vivid miniatures. The luminously colored depictions were made by several illuminators, an illustrator adorned the colorful picture with high-carat gold. Various heteromorphic miniatures are to be found in the work, sometimes scenes stretch across an entire page, sometimes several smaller miniatures are arranged next to one another. Important events from the life of St. Benedict and his abbey were emphasized in a wide variety of different ways. Large, golden miniatures ennoble the beautiful manuscript.