Dedication Page with Blanche of Castile and King Louis IX of France © The Pierpont Morgan Library/Art Resource, NYBibles Moralisée
Gothic Europe. c. 1225–1245 C.E. Illuminated manuscript (ink, tempera, and gold leaf on vellum).
Curator Note
"A "Moralized Bible" made for the French royal court (Louis IX and his mother Blanche of Castile). It pairs biblical text with commentary and illustrations, juxtaposing historical scenes with contemporary medieval interpretations (often anti-semitic or political). The layout mimics stained glass windows."
Form
- Sumptuous illuminated manuscript (gold leaf).
- Roundels (medallions) mimic stained glass.
- Two columns of text, four columns of images.
- Gothic style figures (swaying, drapery).
- Urban setting depicted.
Function
- Moral instruction for the young King Louis IX.
- To interpret the bible for contemporary life.
- To display royal piety and wealth.
- To reinforce the role of the King as defender of faith.
- Private devotional book.
Content
- Dedication Page: Blanche of Castile instructing Louis IX.
- Scribe and Cleric below them producing the book.
- Scenes: Corruption of priests, good vs. bad government.
- Anti-semitic imagery (common in 13th c.).
- Parallelism: Old Testament scene matched with New Testament meaning.
Context
- Created in Paris, the center of Gothic art/learning.
- Blanche was a powerful regent.
- Louis IX became the only canonized French King (St. Louis).
- Reflects the intellectual atmosphere of the university.
- Very expensive production (thousands of illustrations).