Prayer Book for Cardinal Albrecht von Brandenburg
As one of the most powerful prince-electors of the Reformation, Cardinal Albrecht von Brandenburg (1490–1545) commissioned a 200-page prayer book that originated in Nuremberg and Halle between 1536 and 1537 and thematized the salvation history from the Annunciation to the Entombment of Christ. The wonderful manuscript enchants the beholder with 42 full-page miniatures by the famous illuminator Gabriel Glockendon and ornamental initials by the scribe Georg Stierlein. The Mannerist style of the pictures, with its penchant for playful details in garments and architecture as well as atmospheric landscapes with lonely rivers and bold rock formations, is decidedly modern. A particularly artistic detail, moreover, is the wide framing of the miniatures, which often contain further figurative scenes and entire city or nature landscapes. For this Renaissance masterpiece, the two book artists were inspired by none other than Simon Bening and Nikolaus Glockendon.
Prayer Book for Cardinal Albrecht von Brandenburg
A pompous prayer book for Albrecht von Brandenburg (1490–1545), one of the most powerful prince-electors of the Reformation, was made between 1536 and 1537 in Nuremberg and Halle. The 200-page parchment manuscript originated from a collaboration between the illuminator Gabriel Glockendon (ca. 1515-after 1585) and the scribe Georg Stierlein and captivates with 42 full-page miniatures, wonderful marginal décor, and 73 ornamental initials. A total of five depictions accompanying the Passion invite the beholder to meditate on the suffering of Christ, which is presented in expressive scenes.
Artists of Distinction
Only a few documents today give us any information about the life of Gabriel Glockendon, the son of the famous Nuremberg illuminator Nikolaus Glockendon (ca. 1490/5–1533/4). It is believed that he took over the workshop after his father’s passing. As a passionate collector and patron of the arts, Albrecht von Brandenburg employed Georg Stierlein in Halle and thus had his own scribe.
Unique Décor Meets Refined Layout
The salvation history from the Annunciation to the Entombment of Christ are found in miniatures brimming with ideas. Glockendon’s tendency towards the Mannerist style, which finds expression in numerous details, is clearly recognizable. Thus, not only are the figures’ articles of clothing furnished with elaborate lace and frills, but the architecture is also astonishingly devised. Atmospheric landscapes with leafless trees, fantastic fortresses, and imposing mountains serve as a setting. As though these primary scenes were not diverse enough, the painter supplements them through additional, no less extensive typological scenes in the background. This creative layout with an additional depiction on the border makes the prayer book a unique masterpiece of illumination.
Inspiration from the Past
Cardinal Albrecht von Brandenburg must have really admired this text, because he commissioned it more than once. Actually, there are two older manuscripts, whose text- and miniature-program are identical with that by Glockendon and Schierlein. They are a manuscript by Simon Bening (ca. 1483–1561) that originated ca. 1525/50 and another by Nikolaus Glockendon from 1533/34. Serving as the foundation for these three works is a German prayer book that was printed in Augsburg in 1521, which contained a translation of the Orationes et meditationes de vita Christi by Thomas von Kempen (ca. 1380–1471).
Codicology
- Alternative Titles
- Gabriel Glockendon: Gebetbuch für Kardinal Albrecht von Brandenburg
- Size / Format
- 200 pages / 19.0 × 24.5 cm
- Origin
- Germany
- Date
- 1536–1537
- Epochs
- Style
- Genre
- Language
- Illustrations
- 42 full-page miniatures and 73 ornamented initials
- Patron
- Cardinal Albrecht von Brandenburg
- Artist / School
- Gabriel Glockendon (illuminator)
Georg Stierlein (scribe)
Prayer Book for Cardinal Albrecht von Brandenburg
The Nativity
Usually a Nativity scene shows three Magi or a group of shepherds that have been assembled after the angel of the Lord appeared them, proclaiming the birth of the Savior. This unusual miniature shows the Baby Jesus in the golden mandorla surrounded by the Virgin Mary, Joseph, and four angels dressed like members of a choir. A mule and an ox have the privilege of being witnesses to the event. This masterful 16th century miniature represents the end of an era.
Prayer Book for Cardinal Albrecht von Brandenburg
Joseph of Arimathea Before Pilate
After the Crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea appealed to Pontius Pilate for the corpse of Jesus Christ, which was granted. This appeal is presented here in a wonderfully atmospheric scene set before a late medieval cityscape, including a tower under construction. Garments, postures, and facial features are depicted with incredible detail and a splendid color palette in this miniature.
Joseph of Arimathea is kneeling in a gesture of supplication with hat in hand. Pontius Pilate stands imperiously with a hand on his hip wearing magnificent brocade and holding a scepter. In contrast to Joseph’s sympathetic expression and humble posture, Pilate’s entourage looks upon him with sneering and condescending expressions with their arms smugly crossed.
#1 Gabriel Glockendon: Gebetbuch für Kardinal Albrecht von Brandenburg (Deluxe edition)
Language: German
(1,000€ - 3,000€)
#2 Gabriel Glockendon: Gebetbuch für Kardinal Albrecht von Brandenburg (Standard Edition)
Language: German
#3 Gabriel Glockendon: Gebetbuch für Kardinal Albrecht von Brandenburg
Language: German
(1,000€ - 3,000€)
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