Unbekannter Miniaturist 13. Jh. - Oxford Apocalypse. Facsimile Edition of MS. Douce 180. Graz 1981-83, 2 vol. inkl. Kommentarband - 1981-1983

This original edition should not be confused with the cheaper edition published by Club du Livre, Paris, 1981.
Oxford Apocalypse, complete facsimile of MS. Douce 180, ca. 1272, Westminster, Bodleian Library. Graz, Akademische Druck- und Verlagsanstalt ADEVA, 1981 and 1983 (commentary). Quarto, 32 x 23 cm. Original leather binding, richly decorated with elaborate gilt tooling. 168 pages with 97 miniatures in a slipcase + 1 commentary volume. 241 pages and appendix with 171 illustrations. The commentary volume is a sturdy cardboard binding with a affixed spine label.
One of 960 numbered copies (GA 1010) – With commentary by Peter Klein, in German.
The Oxford Apocalypse, dating from the mid-13th century, is among the most beautiful Apocalypses produced in England. Following the new Gothic style, which originated at the French court, this manuscript is an elegant and courtly work, commissioned for the heir to the English throne. Also known as the Douce Apocalypse, it belongs to the small Westminster group of English Apocalypses. The illuminations occupy the upper half of the pages, with the text below in two columns. The finished pages radiate with rich colors and gilded details.
The book, which originated in Westminster or possibly Salisbury, contains a Latin version of the Book of Revelation with commentary by Berengaudus and a fragmentary Anglo-Norman-French translation as a preface. It is a splendid example of a popular but short manuscript tradition of illustrated apocalypses.
With nearly 100 illuminations, the elaborate Oxford Apocalypse cycle of images is a rich source of apocalyptic iconography in the latest style from France. The manuscript is also an invaluable source of information about book production in the High Middle Ages.
Because it remained unfinished, the pages are in various stages of completion, allowing for an examination of the illustration process. Some are fully illustrated with rainbow borders, vibrant colors, and gleaming gold. Others are only partially painted. Some remain as elegant ink drawings, some with gilding that demonstrates the artist's talent.
In very good condition. Weight: 3800 g.