Codex of St. George

After the papacy moved to Avignon in 1309, numerous artists from across Europe followed them there
The Vita of St. George is adorned with elaborate historiated initials and a gorgeous miniature of St. George slaying the dragon
Originating from or trained in Siena, the Master of the Codex of Saint George was active in Avignon from 1310 to 1344

Codex of St. George

Arch. Cap. S. Pietro C 129 Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana (Vatican City, Vatican City State)

Description

Codex of St. George

Some manuscripts are so spectacular that they lend their name to their creator. Such is the case with the so-called Codex of St. George, preserved today in the illustrious holdings of the Vatican Apostolic Library. This magnificently illuminated missal not only contains the customary liturgical texts for the celebration of saints’ feast days from March to July, but also includes an exceptional section devoted to St. George. The saint’s Vita, written by Cardinal Jacopo Caetani degli Stefaneschi (1270–1343), precedes the Mass text and recounts his miracles in vivid detail. The most famous legend—the slaying of the dragon—is depicted twice by the Master of the Codex of Saint George. Around 1320 in Avignon, this virtuoso illuminator enriched the manuscript with splendid historiated and ornamental initials, as well as a magnificent bas-de-page miniature, executed on behalf of the cardinal and hagiographer, who also had himself portrayed several times within the work.

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.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: St. George Codex
Georgscodex
Georg-Codex
Vita des heiligen Georg
Codice di San Giorgio
Vita Sancti Georgii Martyris
Type: Manuscript on parchment
Size / Format: 106 pages / 39.0 × 27.0 cm
Origin: Italy
Date: First half of the 14th century
Epochs: Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style: Gothic
Genre: Missals / Lectionaries / Sacramentaries
Saints' Lives
Language: Latin
Script: Gothic Textura Rotunda
Illustrations: 18 historiated initials and 1 bas-de-page miniature
Content: Vita of St. George, Mass texts from the Feast of the Annunciation of Mary (March 25) to the Feast of Saints Primus and Felicianus (June 9)
Patron: Cardinal Jacopo Gaetano Stefaneschi (ca. 1270–ca. 1343), deacon of San Giorgio al Velabro in Rome
Artist / School: Jacopo Gaetano Stefaneschi (author)
Master of the St. George Codex (illuminator)

Available facsimile editions:

Detail Picture

Codex of St. George

The Martyrdom of Saint George

The refusal of St. George to recant his Christian faith earned him a death by beheading, which supposedly occurred in Nicaea on April 23rd, 303. He is pictured kneeling before the throne of the Emperor Diocletian as the executioner raises his sword. Blood flows from the saint’s neck, indicating that the first blow was insufficient – an all too common and gruesome occurrence before the guillotine. Meanwhile the hand of God sends forth the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove to retrieve his soul.

Single Page

Codex of St. George

Saint George and the Dragon

The image of “Christ Militant” slaying a serpent is one of the oldest in Christian art and the dragon motif appears to have been transferred to St. George in the early 11th century. As an officer in the elite Praetorian Guard, he served as a perfect example for the knights of the First Crusade, who believed he fought alongside them at Antioch and Jerusalem.

According to legend, the citizens of Silene, Libya were terrorized by a dragon, which they tried to placate through sacrifices – originally sheep, but eventually people who were chosen by lot. Finally, the king’s daughter was to be sacrificed. She looks on from the right as George attacks the dragon and drives a lance into its mouth, which inspires the people to convert to Christianity.