Date of Award

7-16-2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Art

First Advisor

Jane Brown

Abstract

Codex Vindobonensis 2554, Vienna, Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (hereafter labeled Vienna 2554) is the only thirteenth-century moralized bible written in vernacular French and was intended for a royal audience. This bible provides a moralizing gloss on contemporary political and religious issues by juxtaposing scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Placing the manuscript in the historical context of Blanche of Castile's regency and her desire to instill devout faith in her young son, Louis IX of France, the manuscript serves as a mirror that reflects contemporary relations between church and state. Moreover, the illuminated depictions of kingship of this medieval bible are effective as a thirteenth-century continuation of the speculum principis, the instructional, secular texts from the early Middle Ages. Vienna 2554 provided an education for the young Louis IX, instilling an early obligation to lead a virtuous life.

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