Sibylline Prophecies

The Sibylline Prophecies

The Codex icon. 414 of the Bavarian State Library in Munich is a gorgeous late–15th century manuscript from the famous studio of Jean Poyer in Tours. In 25 impressive, large-format miniatures, the life story of Jesus is connected with the prophecies of the 12 Sibyls, and at the same time, the 12 prophets and the Evangelists are encountered here as well. As a true book treasure, the manuscript found itself in the possession of Prince-Elector Maximilian I of Bavaria, whose Residenz, the winter palace of the Bavarian sovereigns in Munich, it adorned.

The Twelve Prophetesses

The cycle of the twelve Sibyls makes this precious, late–15th century French manuscript something truly special. Famed in antiquity as seers, they were reinterpreted from the 2nd century on and were henceforth considered to be prophetesses of Christ in Christian iconography. As such, the Sibyls are depicted in the Munich codex. Alongside this original image program, the manuscript with the title Sibyllae et prophetae de Christo Salvatore vaticinantes (The Sibyls and Prophets Who Foretold the Coming of Christ the Redeemer) is impressive first and foremost because of its exceedingly exquisite artistic furnishing.

A French Manuscript

The manuscript of The Sibylline Prophecies is considered by researchers to be an outstanding work from the studio of Jean Poyer (1445–1504), the famous French illuminator of Tours. It probably arose in the years ca. 1490–1500. The painting of Jean Fouquet probably served as a template. Nonetheless, the manuscript’s Italian influences are clearly recognizable. The Sibyl-cycle is very similar to that of the Hours of Louis de Laval – and was also introduced with a Noah’s Arc scene.

The Magnificent Miniatures

Following this wonderful and elegant depiction of Noah’s Arc in the Munich manuscript are 24 large-format miniatures on 12 double-pages. A depiction of one of the Sibyls is found on each the reverse pages, with a miniature in two registers on the opposite page, respectively: each with a prophet to the left and an Evangelist to the right in the lower register and the corresponding scene from the life of Jesus in the Gospels. The enthroned Sibyls are presented in splendid, precious garments trimmed with fur, brocade, and golden accents. Their prophecies are legible on a scroll (where their names, ages, and further information is also specified). An exceedingly varied design underlines the great artistry of the miniatures. So the throne is depicted in a different location in each miniature, sometimes in profile, sometimes directly facing the beholder. Countless figural reliefs and statues on the walls, the throne, and in the background adorn the scenes. The architectural borders of the wondrously perspectival compositions round out the depictions.

A Treasure of the Prince-Elector’s

Today, the manuscript with the shelf mark Cod.icon. 414 is a gem of the Bavarian State Library. It was presumably acquired from Prince-Elector Maximilian I of Bavaria (1573–1651). Alongside his significance politically, Maximilian is known for the construction of Munich’s Residenz, and for his patronage of arts and culture. The precious French manuscript was in the inventory of his library by 1641 at the latest and was presented in the so-called Chamber Gallery of the Residenz in Munich.