With all sorts of hidden symbolism: Joachim de Fiores' predictions about the popes in 30 mysterious miniatures
Predictions of the Popes
Venice (Italy) — 1410–1415

Predictions of the Popes
Venice (Italy) — 1410–1415
In total, the manuscript holds 30 predictions concerning the popes who reigned from 1277 to 1503
15 prophecies by Joachim de Fiore (ca. 1135–1202) and 15 further predictions from the early 14th century
Each prediction is presented with a masterful miniature full of all sorts of implied symbolism
Predictions of the Popes
- Prophecies regarding the Popes
- Prophecies concerning the Popes
- Vaticinia de summis pontificibus
- Weissagungen über die Päpste
Short Description
The Predictions of the Popes originate from between 1410 and 1415 in Venice. They are based on the 15 prophesies of Joachim de Fiore (1135–1203) and 15 further predictions from the early 14th century. The work is illustrated with 30 dreamlike miniatures on a night blue background.
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.
Codicology
- Alternative Titles
- Prophecies regarding the Popes
Prophecies concerning the Popes
Vaticinia de summis pontificibus
Weissagungen über die Päpste - Size / Format
- 32 pages / 22.4 x 14.8 cm
- Origin
- Venice (Italy)
- Date
- 1410–1415
- Epochs
- Style
- Genre
- Language
- Illustrations
- 30 half-page miniatures
- Content
- Thirty prophecies concerning the pope
1 available facsimile edition(s) of „Predictions of the Popes“
Weissagungen über die Päpste
- Publisher
- Belser Verlag – Zurich, 1985
- Binding
- Full leather with tooling and gold stamping
- Commentary
-
1 volume (96 pages) by Robert E. Lerner and Robert Moynihan
Language: German - More Information
- Reproduction of the entire original document as detailed as possible (scope, format, colors). The binding may not correspond to the original or current document binding.
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