The Gothic Picture Bible

The so-called Gothic Picture Bible counts as part of the highpoint of 14th century French book art and is safely stored today among countless other treasures in the National Library of Vienna. Lacking any text, the 84 Old and New Testament scenes in total are impressively displayed and owe much to their clearly arranged 14 page layout. Inspired by the magnificent style of gothic architecture as well as bright stain glass windows, the miniaturist created splendid colors to bring biblical stories to life before your eyes.

A Picture Bible in the French, Gothic Style

After the large formats typical of the Romanesque style, the smaller formatted prayer books and bibles of the Gothic period came into use. In this tradition, we find the Gothic Picture Bible, which both from its outer appearance as well as its inner layout are in line with the contemporary currents in French art and architecture of the time. The famous Bible Moralisée, with its light, colorful miniatures of impressive biblical scenes, originated around the middle of the 14th century – perhaps in Paris. In doing so, it completely dispenses with the usual text and relies entirely on the fascinating power of the images. From the Old Testament story of Genesis, to the elaborately painted story of Joseph, and many of the stories of New Testament, like the Annunciation, birth, and childhood of Christ, the book ultimately ends with the Last Judgment.

Biblical Stories in Stunning Colors

The 14 page Bible is entirely covered in pictures. At any one time, three pairs of round medallions comprise the Old and New Testament scenes, which are smartly substituted for the text that would usually accompany these stories. Elegant figures, with their long, narrow bodies that are typical of the art of the High Gothic period, are arrayed in flexible, falling folds of garments. The story is masterfully told with very few resources, therefore relying on the graceful gestures and attributes of the characters to tell the story. For example, a six-stage work depicting the Genesis of life is on the first page, which increasingly presents everything in the order in which they were created: light, water, animals, and then eventually humans in the form of Adam and Eve. This terrific invention in manuscript art testifies to the skill of the miniaturists and is reminiscent of the Gothic-style stained glass windows, which often display similar motifs in a similar manner.

Artistic Ornaments, Valuable Gold

The exciting design of the background scenery also plays a significant role here. The six medallions are concentrated in a rectangular frame, connected with additional small pictures and architectural ornamentation, and appear as if they were quatrefoils. By varying the color and patterns, every aspect of the pictures offers a new impression. The colorful design, specially colored with bright blue and intense red, is complimented by the skillful implementation of gold. This combination lends much-needed finishing touches to the miniatures and their Gothic elegance. The Gothic Picture Bible offers a textless impression of the piety of the Late Middle Ages as well as an example of the high art of 14th Century France.