Prof. Dr. Alfons M. Stickler - Vita der Mathilde von Canossa - 1984

VITA DER MATHILDE VON CANOSSA - 1984
Prof. Dr. Alfons M. Stickler

Vita Der Mathilde Von Canossa" is the title of the work, which means "The Life of Matilda of Canossa". Matilda of Canossa (c. 1046-1115) was a powerful Italian noblewoman and one of the most important political figures of her time, playing a key role in the Investiture Controversy between Pope Gregory VII and Emperor Henry IV.

«Vita Der Mathilde Von Canossa» consists of two parts: comments and a facsimile, which are faithful reproductions of the original 1115 manuscript, with reference number Vat. lat. 4922. The original manuscript was used as a model for the reproduction. The 1984 edition from the Vatican Apostolic Library, by Prof. Dr. Alfons M. Stickler (priest, theologian, and Austrian Catholic cardinal. He served as Prefect of the Vatican Library. He was also a professor of Canon Law and rector of the Pontifical Salesian University). The work contains eight magnificent Romanesque-style miniatures. The illustrations delight with their bright colors and the richness of gold. The master used 23-carat gold. In addition to the charming miniatures, the text of the codex is adorned with numerous decorative initials. Thanks to its high-quality illustrations, Vita Mathildis offers an impressive account of the development of the dynasty at the intersection of contemporary events.

The Latin text was transcribed by Professor Carlo Golinelli of Bologna. The German translation was prepared by Dr. Axel Janeck of Nuremberg. The printing of this final edition finished in September 1984. The copyright of the 1984 edition belongs to Belser Verlag Zürich. Case format: 23.5 cm x 17.5 cm x 5 cm. 180 pages. 8 gold-decorated miniatures and numerous decorative initials. Leather embossed. Limited edition: 2,000 copies, 600 of which are intended for German-speaking countries. Language: German. Mint condition.

The Life of Matilda of Canossa was written between 1111 and 1115 by the Benedictine monk Douose Donizo. The first part of the work, completed during his life, deals with the powerful Italian dynasty of Canossa, while the second focuses on the pious life and political activities of Matilda of Canossa (1046-1115). The codex ends with a lament, having been completed in the year of the powerful aristocrat’s death. This chronological proximity makes the text one of the most important sources of information about this historical figure. In addition, the manuscript is adorned with eight magnificent golden miniatures and numerous decorated initials, some of which contain zoomorphic elements. Noteworthy is the impressive dedicatory miniature at the beginning of the codex, depicting Matilda enthroned on a purple background as ruler. A true jewel of the Romanesque-style secular literary art!
Matilda of Canosa (1046-1115) was the last representative of the great dynasty of the Margraves of Tuscia. They established a domain in Italy in less than a century. Her life was marked by high politics, defined by the power struggle between the papacy and the empire. By supporting the papacy, culminating in the transfer of all her domains to the Papal States, she sacrificed her family’s right to power. Vita Mathildis not only brings this illustrious figure to life but also offers approaches for analyzing events and historical figures that are still the subject of controversy today.