Quest for the Holy Grail

An incredible 15th century manuscript of the Roman de Tristan en prose
He tells the story of the young knight Perceval who seeks the Holy Grail with other knights from Camelot
The manuscript brings the Roman de Tristan en prose together with the fascinating world of the Grail quest

Quest for the Holy Grail

Ms. 527 Bibliothèque municipale de Dijon (Dijon, France)

Description

Quest for the Holy Grail

One of the most beautiful copies of the French Roman de Tristan en prose with its tales of the Grail quest, was produced in France between 1450 and 1460. The romance leads into the world of Arthurian knights and Grail seekers and skillfully combines courtly prose with the Christian mythology of the time. Over 50 enchanting miniatures in vibrant colors make the adventurous journeys with their incredible dangers and encounters visually tangible for the readers – today as well as back then. In addition, numerous elaborate initials and fantastic borders made of filigree foliage adorn the extensive prose text with their gold-glowing details. This large-format jewel of European literary history is now kept in the Bibliothèque Municipal of Dijon under the shelfmark Ms. 527.

Quest for the Holy Grail

The literary cycle with the mythical Holy Grail inspired some of the most beautiful prose texts of the Middle Ages. This manuscript opens up the world of the French Roman de Tristan en prose, where knightly adventure meets the Grail quest. The text is adorned by 50+ painting-like miniatures, rich initials, and a wealth of inviting bordures. Thanks to this opulent illumination, the 15th century manuscript is considered to be one of the most beautiful of the cycle.

The Adventures of Lancelot

The Roman de Tristan en prose brings together the fascinating worlds of Tristan, the Arthurian knights, and the Grail quest. The knights experience unbelievable adventures and confront great dangers, opening a rich panorama of courtly storytelling before the reader.

A Courtly Romance with Christian Elements

The Roman de Tristan en prose brings the world of courtly romance together with Christian elements and the legend of the Holy Grail. Knightly adventure and spiritual trials thus enter a fascinating interplay.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: Die Suche nach dem Heiligen Gral
Roman de la quête du Graal
Búsqueda del Santo Grial
Roman de Tristan en prose
Queste del Saint Graal
St. Graal
Type: Manuscript on parchment
Size / Format: 326 pages / 41.7 × 32.0 cm
Origin: France
Date: ca. 1450–1460
Epochs: Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style: Gothic
Genre: Literature / Poetry
Language: French
Script: Littera bastarda
Illustrations: 51 masterful miniatures, numerous ornamental initials in red, blue, and gold as well as filigree floral borders
Content: "Queste del Saint Graal" and "Le roman de Tristan en prose"
Patron: Possibly Charles IV, Count of Maine (1414–1472)
Artist / School: Illuminator: Master of Charles du Maine (?)
Previous Owners: Nicolas Moreau, Treasurer of France (1544–1619)
Jean–Baptiste François Jehannin de Chamblanc (1722–1797)

Available facsimile editions:

Detail Picture

Quest for the Holy Grail

Sir Galahad Attacked by Assanon and Forty Knights

Arthurian legends were used to both instruct the medieval nobility on the Christian principles of chivalry as well as serving as a mirror for contemporary life. This miniature has been inserted into the relevant text and shows Sir Galahad fighting valiantly against overwhelming odds. Sir Galahad was renowned for being the purest and most gallant of all knights, so much so that Monty Python famously lured him into a castle full of 150 naughty, lusty virgins in need of a good spanking.

Single Page

Quest for the Holy Grail

Scenes from Camelot

This codex begins fours scenes from King Arthur’s court at Camelot. It is a wonderful specimen of French illumination ca. 1500 as it transitioned between the Gothic and Renaissance styles. These interior scenes were created with a remarkable sense of perspective and utilize a wonderful palette of primary colors.

The upper scenes depict King Arthur and Queen Guinevere at a courtly feast attended by twelve kings and queens. In the lower-left scene, nuns present Galahad to be knighted by Lancelot, who is pictured to the right resting a sword upon the shoulder of the kneeling Galahad. The figures are all depicted in the fashion of late–15th century France: short tunics and tights for men, flowing dresses with long trains for women.

Facsimile Editions

#1 Roman de la Quête du Graal

Ediciones Grial – Valencia, 1997

Publisher: Ediciones Grial – Valencia, 1997

Limited Edition: 870 copies

Binding: Brown leather binding with gold tooling. Another 100 copies of this facsimile belong to a special edition distributed by Club Bibliófilo Versol

Commentary: 1 volume by Carlos Alvar and François Avril
Language: Spanish

Complete color reproduction of the original “Quest for the Holy Grail” at its original size. The facsimile aims to reproduce the original’s appearance, feel and physical characteristics as faithfully as possible. The pages are trimmed to the original format. The binding may differ from the original’s present-day binding.

Facsimile Copy Available!

Price Category: €€
(1,000€ - 3,000€)

Inquire current price here or ask a different question

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