Prayerbook of Philip II

Prayerbook of Philip II

During the 16th century, the last and most marvelous flowering of manuscript culture occurred at the same time that book printing became ubiquitous across Europe. The highest-ranking members of the European nobility still favored handmade codices over printed ones and some true masterpieces of illumination were produced during this time as a result. Created at the behest of the famous Spanish king and patron of the arts, the Prayerbook of Philip II was created by a team of Spanish artists who were inspired by the refinement and creativity of Giulio Clovio (1498–1578). The structure of the book is divided into three sections: first, a religious calendar with columns for the Numerus Aureus, Sunday Letter, Roman Calendar, and a saints’ calendar; second, a Sequuntur Capitula et orationes posite in psalterio followed by the liturgical prayers to be said in the royal chapel; third, a magnificent miniature of the Holy Burial followed by prayers for the deceased relatives of King Philip II.

The Royal Patron

In the years 1563-1585, King Philip II (1527-1598) had a royal monastery of incredible proportions built on a hill amidst a wide, barren landscape not far from Madrid. To this day, the monastery complex of San Lorenzo de El Escorial belongs among the most impressive edifices of 16th century Spain. The significant library with the great hall under a barrel vault decorated with wonderful frescoes is also one of the monuments created by Philip II. Numerous manuscripts have been housed in the library since the time of Philip II including some true treasures of illumination.

A Spanish Work of Art in the Italian Style

Not only does the Prayerbook of Philip II have 19 full-page miniatures, all 324 pages of the royal manuscript are opulently designed with decorative ornamentation and furnished with gilded initials. The private devotional book, with an unusually large format of 33.5 x 23 cm, offers an unbelievably colorful impression at first sight. The Hieronymites Andrés de León and Julián de la Fuenta el Saz were the artists responsible for the manuscript; their miniatures, frames, and initials are reminiscent of the fantastic art of Giulio Clovio in their perfection.

Airy Miniatures Alongside Ornamental Bordures

The biblical scenes of the miniatures play out above and before airy green landscapes and interior spaces designed with a strict perspective. The figures in colorful, lightly draped garments are extremely animated and lovingly individualized. The large-format miniatures are surrounded by broad bordures, which also adorn some pages of text. Tasty fruits and splendid blossoms alternate in the décor with playful cherubs and other ornaments. Some of the pages are designed in a restrained yet noble manner with monochrome frames and bewildering golden ornaments, in which wonderful medallions with monochrome depictions of saints are embedded. The initials of the text are also furnished with gold in accordance with the overall artistic design. The Prayerbook of Philip II represents an outstanding attestation of 16th century Spanish illumination and, with its artistic décor of the highest quality, is worthy of a royal owner.