Regia Carmina by Convenevole da Prato

Regia Carmina by Convenevole da Prato

The Regia Carmina is a song of praise about the Italian King Robert of Anjou that is presented in a Gothic manuscript. The work is probably the most excitingly illuminated manuscript produced by Italian Gothic illuminators. It contains 47 full-page miniatures that sparkle and glow with gold and silver. The codex is truly a kingly feast for the senses of each beholder. In the text of the manuscript, the King of Naples is exhorted to unify Italy under his crown, to end the Avignon Papacy, and to bring the power of the church back to Rome.

The King of Naples

Robert of Anjou enjoyed high esteem from his people. The son of Charles II of Naples and Mary of Hungary obtained the epithet “the Wise” during his time on the Italian throne. This name is thanks to his exceptionally active contribution to the patronage of scholarship and art. He patronized Francesco Petrarca, who he crowned a poet, and Giovanni Boccaccio, as well as artists like Tino di Camaino, Simone Martini, and Giotto di Bondone. The king’s exceptional song of praise is one of the outstanding masterpieces that his library housed.

Influential Book Master

The manuscript was very likely composed by Convenevole da Prato. He was a notary public and professor of logic, grammar, and rhetoric and was named as the first Latin teacher of Francesco Petrarca. Petrarch began a close friendship with his teacher, as has emerged from written descriptions of the famous poet. The Florentine master Pacino di Buonaguida is responsible for the magical illumination of the work. He made numerous gorgeous altarpieces, miniatures, and illuminations and counted among the most gifted masters of Italian Gothic book art.

Valuable Book Decoration

The king’s song of praise is adorned with 47 large miniatures and numerous additional decorative elements. Hardly any other codex in the Gothic style can measure up to the inconceivably rich miniatures of this work. The full-page miniatures show depictions of Robert of Anjou on his throne against a deep royal blue background affixed with golden lilies. There are depictions of **angels and saints to see, and of Jesus Christ, who is surrounded by golden rays and exotic animals and fabulous figures. Each page of the book contains such fantastical illuminations. The valuable codex is found today in the British Library in London.