The Roman de the Rose – Day 15

Welcome to 31 Days of Medieval Manuscripts, a month-long series introducing the fascinating and brilliant world of medieval illuminated manuscripts.
A miniature from an early-fourteenth century Roman de la Rose once belonging to Claude Gouffier de Boissy, duke of Roannais and now at the National Museum in Krakow, Poland. By Guillaume de Lorris, Jean de Meung [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The Roman de la Rose is a thirteenth-century French poem concerning an allegorical love story between a young man and a rose. Began by French writer Guillaume de Lorris and finished after his death by Jean de Meun, the poem was very popular in medieval France and was the subject of many richly-illustrated manuscripts. The story and its rich symbolism are replete with subjects for illustrations. According to de Hamel’s book, there are over two hundred known manuscripts of the Roman de la Rose, many of noble or regal provenance, and several copies had more than one hundred miniature illustrations (de Hamel 150-152).

“Courtesy with a Knight; Idleness Opening the Door for the Lover”. Roman de la Rose. J. Paul Getty Museum (MS. Ludwig XV 7). C.1405, by unknown (illuminator, [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

Also, you should definitely take a look at a wonderful image from King Francois I of France’s luxurious copy of the Roman de la Rose. This manuscript, now at the Morgan Library in New York City, dates to 1525, which is a bit later than the other works I’ve featured thus far this month. However, this image of the chic Francois receiving the manuscript is too good not to show you guys. Be sure to read the Morgan’s description of the page and of the fashion statement it contains. Also check out the Roman de la Rose Digital Library by Johns Hopkins University and the Bibliotheque Nationale of France. You can read more about the history of the manuscript and look at notable examples from around the world.

Bibliotheque Nationale (MS. Fr. 25526 f.77v detail). A detail from a 14th-century Roman de la Rose, depicting husband and wife illustrators Richard and Jeanne de Montbaston. Photo from de Hamel 152.
Bibliotheque Nationale (MS. Fr. 25526 f.77v detail). A detail from a 14th-century Roman de la Rose, depicting husband and wife illustrators Richard and Jeanne de Montbaston. Photo from de Hamel 152.

Source: de Hamel, Christopher. A History of Illuminated Manuscripts. London & New York: Phaidon Press Limited, 1994.


Art in your inbox

Be the first to hear about new posts, handbooks, discounts, and more.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

If approved, your comment and name will be displayed publicly. Please see the comment policy.

One response to “The Roman de the Rose – Day 15”

  1. Karen Schousboe

    Now is the time to get you very own medieval manuscript with Roman de la Rose
    http://www.medievalhistories.com/manuscript-from-the-14th-century-with-roman-de-la-rose-for-sale/

Welcome

The mission of A Scholarly Skater Art History is to make historical art and architecture accessible to everyone.
I’m Alexandra, an art historian who believes that looking at art can enrich everyone’s life. Welcome to my website!
About me

Be the first to hear about new posts, handbooks, discounts, and more.

An important note

Art history is an inherently subjective field, and my perspective isn’t the only one. I encourage all my readers to seek out differing opinions and read multiple sources to get a broader and more complete view of this complex and fascinating field of study. Read my disclaimers for more information.

Advertisement

ArtHerstory advertisement

School for Art Lovers