Predictions of the Popes

The 12th and 13th centuries were dominated with great tensions within the Christian religious community. The growing wealth and the increasing secularization of the church created frustration and despair for a part of the worshippers, among the laity as well as the clergy. The wanted to return to a more frugal, simple life such as extolled by the gospels. This movement was led by the famous theologian and philosopher Joachim de Fiore. Fiore was an influential Italian abbot and founder of an order. He compiled predictions of the coming popes, which were meant to restore the church and the Christian religious community to their origins once more. His predictions were recorded in a valuable codex and illustrated with breath-taking miniatures.

Symbolic Painting

The Latin codex originates from between 1410 and 1415 in Venice. It contains 30 half page miniatures in the Gothic style. The fantastic pictures are full of symbols and hidden clues. People or detailed cities and buildings are depicted in bright colors on an intense blue background. The dreamlike scenes sometimes show how multiple people interact with one another, or show single persons who are ringed with symbolic attributes. On some pages one finds fairytale monsters repeatedly, which are supposed to portend a grievance within the religious community and advise caution. Today the magical miniatures still invite the beholder to dream.

Later Completion

Altogether, the codex holds 30 predictions of the popes who reigned from 1277 to 1503. The first 15 predictions are attributed to Joachim de Fiore, who lived from 1135 to 1203. The remaining 15 predictions were probably added in the mid–14th century, however their author is unknown. The highly valuable miniatures show sometimes identifiable characteristics of the popes, with which the predictions are concerned. The mythical text, combined with the astounding miniatures take their beholder on a fantastical and unforgettable journey into the world of Gothic.