Illuminated Chronicle of Hungary

The canon Mark von Kalt (fl. 1336–1368) compiled the text on behalf of King Louis I of Hungary (1326–1382)
The chronicle traces the history of Hungary from its legendary beginnings to the reign of King Louis I
He presented the codex to the French king Charles V (1338–1380) on the occasion of their children's marriage

Illuminated Chronicle of Hungary

Cod. Lat. 404 National Széchényi Library (Budapest, Hungary)

Chronicon Pictum Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles

Description

Illuminated Chronicle of Hungary

Among the numerous medieval chronicles on Hungarian history, the Illuminated Chronicle of Hungary stands out in particular for its extraordinary wealth of illumination. Its 146 pages contain 142 figurative illuminations in the form of miniatures and historiated initials, complemented by beautiful ornamental book decoration. The rich gold decoration throughout makes the manuscript particularly precious. These features also make the codex an important art and cultural historical source on painting techniques, clothing, and courtly culture in the Kingdom of Hungary in the Late Middle Ages. The chronicle was commissioned by King Louis I of Hungary (1326–1382), who entrusted Mark of Kalt (fl. 1336–1368) with its compilation. The author completed his work in 1358, whereupon Miklόs Meggyesi, son of Louis' court painter, began the illumination. The artistic codex tells the story of Hungary from its legendary beginnings to the reign of King Louis I and ultimately served as an impressive gift to the French king Charles V (1338–1380), whose son married Louis's daughter Catherine (1370–1378) in 1374.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: Ungarische Bilderchronik
Chronicon Pictum
Képes Krónika
Obrázková kronika
Chronica Hungarorum
Illustrated Chronicle
Chronicon Hungarie Pictum
Chronica Picta
Chronica de Gestis Hungarorum
Marci de Kalt Chronica de Gestis Hungarorum
Mark of Kalt's Chronicle About the Deeds of the Hungarians
Mark von Kalts Chronik über die Taten der Ungarn
Type: Manuscript on parchment
Size / Format: 146 pages / 30.0 × 21.0 cm
Origin: Hungary
Date: Between 1358 and 1373
Epochs: Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style: Gothic
Genre: Chronicles / History / Law
Language: Latin
Script: Textura
Illustrations: 142 figurative illuminations, including 10 larger and 29 column-wide miniatures, 4 bas-de-page medallions, 99 historiated initials, along with 5 ornamental initials and 61 borders
Content: Chronicle of Hungarian history, beginning in biblical times and ending in 1330
Patron: Louis I of Hungary (1326–1382)
Artist / School: Mark of Kalt (author)
Miklόs Meggyesi (illuminator)
Previous Owners: Charles V of France (1338–1380)
Charles VII of France (1403–1461)
Đurađ Branković (1377–1456)
Court of King Matthias Corvinus (1443–1490)
Ottoman dynasty
Imperial Court Library Vienna

Available facsimile editions:

Facsimile Editions

#1 Chronicon Pictum

Schöck ArtPrint Kft. – Szekszárd, 2025

Publisher: Schöck ArtPrint Kft. – Szekszárd, 2025

Binding: Brown leather binding with the coat of arms of Louis I of Hungary on the front cover

1 volume: Exact reproduction of the original document (extent, color and size) Reproduction of the entire original document as detailed as possible (scope, format, colors). The binding may not correspond to the original or current document binding.

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