Codex of St. George

After the papacy moved to Avignon in 1309, many artists moved there as well seeking the patronage of the princes of the church. Coming from all over Europe, they came together at the papal court and thus helped give birth to the International Gothic style. One of these artists was the Master of the Codex of Saint George, who is named after a richly illuminated missal containing a Vita of Saint George, which was completed ca. 1320. Elaborate historiated initials, as well as numerous smaller initials in red, blue, and gold leaf, decorate the text in addition to a gorgeous miniature of St. George slaying the dragon.

Who Was the Master of the Codex of St. George?

Although his true name remains unknown, the Master of the Codex of Saint George was first identified by Giacomo De Nicola in 1906. Judging by his artistic style, the talented artist came from or was trained in Siena before making his way to the Papal court in Avignon where he was active from 1310 until 1344. It was there that he received a commission from Cardinal Jacopo Stefaneschi for the creation of an elaborately illuminated missal. In addition to creating at least four illuminated manuscripts, the Master of the Codex of Saint George has also been credited with creating numerous gorgeous panel paintings with gold leaf backgrounds.