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Legend of Saint Hedwig

Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)

Wroclaw (Poland) — 1451

The pious life of the Duchess and convent founder Hedwig of Silesia in captivating pen and ink drawings: an ornate testimony to the great veneration of the local Silesian saint, created for a Wroclaw patrician

  1. Saint Hedwig of Silesia (1174–1243) was a pious Bavarian noblewoman who married the Duke of Silesia in 1186

  2. The German translation of her vita is illuminated with 60 pen and ink drawings and a colorful opening miniature

  3. The elaborate manuscript was created by various artists in a Wroclaw workshop for the patrician Antonius Hornig

Legend of Saint Hedwig

IV F 192 Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
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Description
Legend of Saint Hedwig

St. Hedwig of Andechs (1174-1243) became Duchess of Silesia by marriage at the age of 12. Educated in a Benedictine convent, the pious princess was particularly notable for her numerous church and convent foundations, including the first nunnery in Silesia: the Cistercian monastery of Trebnitz, which she herself entered after the death of her husband. She was already revered during her lifetime for her charitable deeds and at times ascetic lifestyle. Shortly after her death, the healing miracles associated with her grave led to her canonization in 1267. As one of the most important local saints of Silesia, her veneration took many forms. As such, a biography was written, which has been preserved in this richly illuminated manuscript. It was created in 1451 for the Wrocław patrician Antonius Hornig († 1464) in a Wrocław workshop and contains a German translation of the original Latin text, which is accompanied by 1 full-page opening miniature and 60 vivid pen-and-ink drawings conveying the many stages of Hedwig's life and her genealogy to the reader.

Codicology

Alternative Titles
Hedwig-Legende
Legende der Heiligen Hedwig
Legenda o św. Jadwidze
Size / Format
243 pages / 34.5 × 24.0 cm
Origin
Poland
Date
1451
Style
Gothic
Language
German
Script
Littera bastarda
Illustrations
60 colored pen drawings, 1 full-page initial miniature, 1 historiated initial, various pen-flourish initials, 1 subsequently added coat of arms
Content
Genealogy of St. Hedwig, Legenda maior, Legenda minor, Author's prayer to St. Hedwig, Canonization deed by Pope Clement IV, Canonization sermon by Pope Clement IV, Letter from Nicholas of Poznan to Prince Louis of Brieg with colophon, Hedwig antiphons and
Patron
Antonius Hornig († 1464)
Artist / School
Previous Owners
Wilhelm von Wirz und Burg, imperial consiliarius for Silesia
Library of the Franciscan Convent at St. Dorothea, Wroclaw
Available facsimile editions:
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
#1 Legenda o św. Jadwidze - Legende der hl. Hedwig
Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – Wrocław, 2000
Limited Edition: 1200 copies (1050 of which for sale)
Single Page

Legend of Saint Hedwig

On the Earnestness of Her Life

This is the title of the chapter to which this illustration belongs, depicting three scenes from the life of Saint Hedwig. It tells of the strength of her faith, but also of the numerous strokes of fate that befell the Silesian duchess during her lifetime. She lost several of her children as well as her sister, who was murdered. In 1238, her husband Henry also died. In the lower miniature, he lies on his deathbed. The grieving Hedwig is distinguished by a halo and sits with her companions in front of his magnificent final resting place.

At the top left, Hedwig is seen on a charitable visit to a group of lepers, whose feet she washes and kisses in the manner of Christ – a sign of humility and faith. On the right, she blesses a kneeling servant, with one small detail standing out: she is not wearing shoes. According to her biography, Hedwig is said to have walked barefoot even in winter as a sign of her humility and asceticism.

Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Facsimile Editions

#1 Legenda o św. Jadwidze - Legende der hl. Hedwig

Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – Wrocław, 2000
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland)
Legend of Saint Hedwig – Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – IV F 192 – Wroclaw University Library (Wroclaw, Poland) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles

Publisher: Wydawnictwo Dolnoslaskie – Wrocław, 2000
Limited Edition: 1200 copies (1050 of which for sale)
Binding: Brown leather binding with blind and gold tooling. Comes in a protective slipcase.
Commentary: 1 volume (630 pp.) by Trude Ehlert, Wojciech Mrozowicz, and Jerzy Łukosz
Languages: German, Polish
Facsimile Copy Available!
Price Category: €€
(1,000€ - 3,000€)
Inquire current price here or ask a different question
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