Ludolphus Carthusiensis, Vita Christi, in French, vol. II
Manuscript on vellum, illuminated by the
Master of the Chronique Scandaleuse
France, Paris, 1506-1508
355 x 250 mm. 333 leaves, 83 miniatures
fol. 1r: Christ Preaches
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Ludolphus Carthusiensis, Vita Christi, in French, vol. II
Manuscript on vellum, illuminated by the
Master of the Chronique Scandaleuse
France, Paris, 1506-1508
355 x 250 mm. 333 leaves, 83 miniatures
fol. 113: An educated cleric in his cell praying to Jesus
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Ludolphus Carthusiensis, Vita Christi, in French, vol. II
Manuscript on vellum, illuminated by the
Master of the Chronique Scandaleuse
France, Paris, 1506-1508
355 x 250 mm. 333 leaves, 83 miniatures
fol. 254: Resurrection
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Ludolphus Carthusiensis, Vita Christi, in French, vol. II
Manuscript on vellum, illuminated by the
Master of the Chronique Scandaleuse
France, Paris, 1506-1508
355 x 250 mm. 333 leaves, 83 miniatures
fol. 322: The Last Judgement
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Ludolphus Carthusiensis, Vita Christi, in French, vol. II
Manuscript on vellum, illuminated by the
Master of the Chronique Scandaleuse
France, Paris, 1506-1508
355 x 250 mm. 333 leaves, 83 miniatures
fol. 36v: God the Father in a gloriole, twelve women with different veils below
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Ludolphus Carthusiensis, Vita Christi, in French, vol. II
Manuscript on vellum, illuminated by the
Master of the Chronique Scandaleuse
France, Paris, 1506-1508
355 x 250 mm. 333 leaves, 83 miniatures
fol. 42: Parable of the vineyard
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Ludolphus Carthusiensis, Vita Christi, in French, vol. II
Manuscript on vellum, illuminated by the
Master of the Chronique Scandaleuse
France, Paris, 1506-1508
355 x 250 mm. 333 leaves, 83 miniatures
fol. 120v: Noah’s Ark
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Ludolphus Carthusiensis, Vita Christi, in French, vol. II
Manuscript on vellum, illuminated by the
Master of the Chronique Scandaleuse
France, Paris, 1506-1508
355 x 250 mm. 333 leaves, 83 miniatures
fol. 122: An elderly man guards his house
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Ludolphus Carthusiensis, Vita Christi, in French, vol. II
Manuscript on vellum, illuminated by the
Master of the Chronique Scandaleuse
France, Paris, 1506-1508
355 x 250 mm. 333 leaves, 83 miniatures
fol. 137: The Egyptian army drowning in the Red Sea
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Ludolphus Carthusiensis, Vita Christi, in French, vol. II
Manuscript on vellum, illuminated by the
Master of the Chronique Scandaleuse
France, Paris, 1506-1508
355 x 250 mm. 333 leaves, 83 miniatures
fol. 268v: Jesus appears to the three Marys
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Ludolphus Carthusiensis, Vita Christi, in French, vol. II
Manuscript on vellum, illuminated by the
Master of the Chronique Scandaleuse
France, Paris, 1506-1508
355 x 250 mm. 333 leaves, 83 miniatures
fol. 317: Ascension of the Virgin
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Ludolphus Carthusiensis, Vita Christi, in French, vol. II
Manuscript on vellum, illuminated by the
Master of the Chronique Scandaleuse
France, Paris, 1506-1508
355 x 250 mm. 333 leaves, 83 miniatures
fol. 328v: Heavenly paradise and the tortures of hell
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Ludolphus Carthusiensis, Vita Christi, in French, vol. II
Manuscript on vellum, illuminated by the
Master of the Chronique Scandaleuse
France, Paris, 1506-1508
355 x 250 mm. 333 leaves, 83 miniatures
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See our video presentation of this manuscript here.
The manuscript is adorned with an extensive cycle of fine miniatures, of which the large Christ preaching in the Temple and the Explanation of the feast of Pasqua (Passover, Moses leading his people to freedom, and the Pharaoh's army drowning in the Red Sea) are imposing examples. In his figures, the illuminator distinguishes the differing expressions of the two opposing parties by precisely directing the gaze of his figures' eyes, as expressed in the placid teacher and his unbelieving public or in Moses guiding his people away from the pharaoh, who gives chase. The absorbing red of the sea adds almost overwhelming drama to the scene.
The Parisian illuminator, named Master of the Chronique Scandaleuse after his major work (Paris, BnF, Clair. ms. 481), is famous for precious codices, mainly executed for royal and noble patrons. He shows a preference for the use of strong colours, especially blue and liquid gold, in depicting drapery and architectural and scenic elements.
Especially since the triumphant victory over the Duke of Burgundy in 1477, René II took control over the territories he had inherited from his mother Yolande of Anjou, Duchess of Lorraine. From 1485, René conducted a refined household with his wife Philippa, daughter of the Duke of Gueldres and Catherine of Bourbon. René and Philippa's court became the setting for artistic and literary development. Their the ducal patronage allowed artists, among whom painters and illuminators, to introduce the Renaissance into Lorraine.
The volume at hand is preserved in an almost untouched condition, conveying an unblemished, fresh, and immediate impression of the artist's mastery. The long history of this manuscript's provenance until the French Revolution is known, as Philippa bequeathed her book, consisting of two volumes, to the convent to which she retired as a widow (1508). The other volume has also been preserved (Lyon, Bibliothèque Municipale, ms. 5125).
Read more about this manuscript in our Spotlight on costumes, and in our Spotlight on the House of Lorraine.
