Prayer Book of Elector Maximilian I of Bavaria
Prague (Czech Republic) — 1574 (silver binding) / 1604–1612 and 1623 (illumination)
Created in the famous court workshop of Emperor Rudolf II and later in the possession of Emperor Maximilian I: gold-framed miniatures and enchanting depictions of animals and plants in a gilded silver-enamel book jacket.
A gem from the court workshop of Rudolph II in Prague, which came into the possession of Prince-Elector Maximilian I of Bavaria (1573–1651) and bears his name today and as such, the precious prayer book is presented in the full splendor of late illumination ca. 1600. Maximilian, occasionally called “the Great”, was a powerful Catholic ruler during the 30 Years’ War and a major patron of the arts. His splendid prayer book likely originated at the behest of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II (1552–1612), whose court was in Prague. It is filled with impressive depictions of dozens of flowers and animals in astonishing realism alongside the nine wonderful miniature pages, which depict biblicals scenes in gold framings. This book treasure is additionally crowned by its spectacular binding, a precious silver-enamel book jacket by Hans Lecker, the most important goldsmith from Nuremberg, created in the year 1574, which is considered to be a work of art in its own right.
A mouse gnaws on an acorn, a large beetle crawls over a book page, and a splendid butterfly flutters between sweet fruits and colorful blossoms. Such pictures in astonishing realism make up the marginal adornments of the text pages in the Prayer Book of Elector Maximilian I of Bavaria. The motifs of flowers, fruits, and animals are depicted extremely true to nature, are subtly shaded, and visualize the entire skill of the miniaturist. Splendidly frilly initials of the finest gold ornamentation on powerfully luminous backgrounds complete this visual experience.
Prague Miniature Painting
Alongside this exuberant marginal decoration, one almost forgets the nine full-page miniatures that illustrate the religious texts of the prayer book. These are presented as wonderfully opulent depictions of biblical scenes. For example, the scene of the Annunciation is immersed in warm light, the angel shines amidst a sea of soft clouds, and astonishment is written all over the face of the Virgin Mary. An unknown painter in Prague ca. 1600 is responsible for this splendor. The manuscript originated presumably at the behest of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II (1552–1612) at his court in Prague.
From Prague to Munich
The magnificent manuscript finally came into the possession of Prince-Elector Maximilian I of Bavaria by unknown paths. Maximilian I (1573–1651), Duke of Bavaria, was a prince-elector of the Holy Roman Empire as of 1623. He exerted himself actively in the Counterreformation and the Thirty Years War and is considered to be the actual founder of the Catholic League. Aside from his political ambitions, Prince-Elector Maximilian was also a great patron of the arts. As a result, distinguished artists were active at his court in Munich, e.g. Peter Candid, Friedrich Sustris, and Adrian de Vries.
The Binding as a Stand-Alone Work of Art
This historical treasure, found today under the shelf mark Clm 23640 of the Bayerischen Staatsbibliothek, is protected by a splendid cover. This silver-enamel book jacket originates from the year 1574 and is a work by Hans Lenckers, the most import goldsmith from Nuremberg alongside Wenzel Jamnitzer. The splendid silver binding is adorned with florally-colored enamel and furnished with a gilded spine, claps, and eight studs. A worthy covering for this treasure of late illumination!
Codicology
Alternative Titles
Gebetbuch Kurfürst Maximilians I. von Bayern
Officium Mariae et defunctorum; psalmi graduales et poenitentiales
Size / Format
132 folios / 14.0 × 8.8 cm
Origin
Czech Republic
Date
1574 (silver binding) / 1604–1612 and 1623 (illumination)
Epochs
Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style
Renaissance
Genre
Private Devotion Books
Language
Latin
Script
Humanistic minuscule
Illustrations
9 full-page miniatures, numerous depictions of plants and animals as well as dozens of decorated initials
Content
Prayers for different times of the day and night
Patron
Emperor Rudolf II (1552–1612)
Artist / School
Hans Lencker (goldsmith)
Giulio Clovio (illuminator)
Previous Owners
Prince-Elector Maximilian I of Bavaria (1573–1651)
