Douce Roman de la Rose
(1,000β¬ - 3,000β¬)
The Douce Roman de la Rose in the Bodlein Library is one of the richest illuminated manuscripts of the medieval bestseller. It was commissioned by Louise of Savoy (1476β1531), who at the time of its creation was still Countess of AngoulΓͺme, and was decorated by Robinet Testard (fl. 1475β1531) with a total of 127 expressive, narrative miniatures and dozens of golden decorated initials. The Romance of the Rose, begun by Guillaume de Lorris around 1235 and completed by Jean de Meung in Paris around 1280, was one of the most widely read works in France until the Renaissance. It was not only the use of the first-person perspective that was groundbreaking, but also the allegorical figures and the presentation of the entire narration in the form of a dream. At the same time, however, the Old French work was already highly controversial in the 13th century: while some were disturbed by the uncommonly sensual language and erotic motifs, others criticized the misogyny it manifested β among them for example Christine de Pizan (1364β1429).
Codicology
- Alternative Titles
- Il manoscritto Douce 195
 Roman de la Rose - Ms. Douce 195
 Romance of the Rose
 Rosenroman
- Size / Format
- 312 pages / 34.2 Γ 23.5 cm
- Origin
- France
- Date
- Between 1487 and 1496
- Epochs
- Style
- Genre
- Language
- Script
- French littera bastarda
- Illustrations
- 7 large and 120 column-wide miniatures, numerous decorated initials
- Content
- Romance of the Rose by Guillaume de Lorris and Jean de Meun
- Patron
- Louise of Savoy (1476β1531)
- Artist / School
- Robinet Testard (illuminator)
- Previous Owners
- Justin MacCarthy-Reagh
 George Hibbert
 Francis Douce
Douce Roman de la Rose
The Dream Begins
The first page of the manuscript combines opulent illumination with references to the author and the patron. A floral border with several animal and human drolleries encloses the beginning of the verse novel. It begins with a blue initial βMβ displaying the joined coats of arms of the Houses of OrlΓ©ans and Savoy in its interior field β the heraldic symbol of Louise of Savoy (1476β1531) after her marriage.
Above the text are two small miniatures in a coherent frame of delicate Gothic architectural elements. The author's portrait on the left shows Guillaume de Lorris working on his best-selling novel β under the watchful gaze of two curious bystanders. The miniature on the right is the visual introduction to the story: Aman, the first-person narrator and protagonist, lies fully clothed on his bed of precious textiles, having fallen asleep with a scroll in his hand. The empty chair invites the reader to join him and follow his dream, but is guarded by his loyal dog.

#1 Il manoscritto Douce 195
Language: Italian
(1,000β¬ - 3,000β¬)
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