Pontifical of Boniface IX

A breathtaking Gothic prayer book that was used during ceremonial masses for various church festivals
The extensive use of gold reflects its origins as a commission of Pope Boniface IX (ca. 1350–1404) from ca. 1400
The pontifical is a treasure of Late Gothic European book art and a highlight of the Vatican Library

Pontifical of Boniface IX

Ms. Vat. lat. 3747 Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana (Vatican City, Vatican City State)

Description

Pontifical of Boniface IX

This manuscript, the so-called Pontifical of Pope Boniface IX, originated in Italy at the end of the 14th century and is regarded as one of the most famous and sumptuous examples of this liturgical book genre. It provides the texts for the entire liturgy, as well as other writings necessary for the performance of Masses, consecrations, coronations, and other rituals by a bishop. Accordingly, almost every page of this valuable manuscript is richly decorated. Eleven precious full-page miniatures, together with numerous refined marginal illuminations enhanced with gold, adorn this colorful and shimmering masterpiece of the Italian Gothic style. As the name of this opulent codex suggests, it was commissioned by Pope Boniface IX (ca. 1350–1404), who was contending for the papal throne at the time of its creation. Today, this magnificent liturgical manuscript is housed in the Vatican Library, where it remains one of its most prized treasures.

Pontifical of Boniface IX

Among the numerous illuminated manuscripts in the famous Vatican Library, some of the greatest masterpieces of medieval book art are to be found. One of these valuable works is the Pontifical of Pope Boniface IX. It is a breathtaking illustrated prayer book that was used in the Gothic period during ceremonial masses on various church festivals. The manuscript was commissioned at the end of the 14th century by Pope Boniface IX and contains numerous delightfully decorated initials and subtly patterned borders alongside eleven graceful, full-page miniatures.

What is a Pontifical?

A pontifical is a liturgical book with instructions and texts for festive, ritual Masses and celebrations of the Catholic Church, which would be performed or led by a bishop. Instructions for the performance of lower and higher consecrations and other ritual actions, which were to be implemented by the bishop were found in historical pontificals. For example, the rules of a pontifical were used for the consecration of deacons and priests, as well as the ceremonial of a coronation. Many historical pontificals are splendidly designed and represent antiquarian treasures today. The Pontifical of Boniface IX is a famous example of this.

Enchanting Book Illustration

Nearly every page of the valuable manuscript is charmingly illuminated. The codex contains eleven full-page miniatures that reflect the narrative joy of the anonymous illuminator in a fanciful manner. The vivid images in fresh colors show high spiritual and secular representatives of the church performing important church duties. The opulent application of gold leaf in the miniatures attests to the noble character of the work. Also, no expense was spared for the colorful and golden elements of the manifold decorative frames that adorn each page of the book. This pontifical is one of the most impressive examples of Late Gothic European book art.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: Pontificale di Bonifacio IX
Pontifikale Papst Bonifazius IX.
Type: Manuscript on parchment
Size / Format: 88 pages / 31.0 × 21.0 cm
Origin: Italy
Date: 1389–1404
Epochs: Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style: Gothic
Genre: Missals / Lectionaries / Sacramentaries
Language: Latin
Script: Gothic Textura Rotunda
Illustrations: 11 full-page miniatures; most of the pages are decorated with illuminated initials and refined frames
Content: Five texts and instructions for rituals and the prayers for papal functions
Patron: Pope Boniface IX (1389–1404)

Available facsimile editions:

Detail Picture

Pontifical of Boniface IX

Medallion and Marginalia

Found in the base of a large “I” initial, this medallion miniature shows a choir consisting of both clergy and laity assembled around a song book on a lectern. The colorful tendril spirals growing out of it contain a priest wearing a wide-brimmed hat, two musicians, two birds, a cherub, and three human faces. The incredible color palette and shimmering, mirror-like gold leaf are matched by the quality and intricacy of the design and the skill with which the artist executed it.

Single Page

Pontifical of Boniface IX

Benedictio coram populo

Although it has some serious competition, this is considered to be the most impressive miniature in this exceptionally richly adorned manuscript. It shows Boniface IX giving a benediction to a crowd of the faithful from a balcony in full papal vestments. Flanked by cardinals, the Pope is standing in a Gothic style architecture with pointed arches and embellished column capitals.

This miniature strongly resembles a fresco by Giotto found in the Church of St. John Lateran, which depicts a crowd being blessed during the first Jubilee in 1300. Since two Jubilees were promulgated during Boniface’s reign, this may well be the case here. The scene is surrounded by an incredible golden frame and supported by two angels holding coats of arms.