Walters Ms. W.307, "Trésor de sapience" (Creation to 138 CE)

W.307

"Trésor de sapience" (Creation to 138 CE)

"Trésor de sapience"

This richly decorated manuscript chronicles an account from the creation of the world up to 138 CE. It was illuminated by associates of Loyset Liédet and Willem Vrelant, and was completed, likely in Bruges, ca. 1470-80. The book itself is a fine example of secular books that were in demand by aristocratic patrons in the southern Netherlands during the third quarter of the fifteenth century. Along with an expansive decoration program, this world history also features key heraldic evidence. The most current armorial shield that was painted among an abraded surrounding area is that of Adolph of Burgundy, seigneur of Bevres, Vere, and Flissinghe. He was a member of the Order of the Golden Fleece as of 1516, following his father Philip of Burgundy, and his grandfather Anthony of Burgundy ("Grand Bâtard de Bourgogne," illegitimate son of Philip the Good). The decoration and its organization throughout the text embodies principles of hierarchical design and artistic collaboration typical of expansive pictorial programs in this type of secular text. Of particular note are the six large miniatures, one before major text divisions of the chronicle and each spanning across two columns of text. These illustrations are quite imaginative and varied stylistically. There is a visual emphasis on the Trinity as evinced by the frontispiece, which features a Creation cycle in six medallions. Along with the six large illustrations, six major text divisions, and six medallion Creation cycle, this manuscript recalls Augustinian tenets on Trinitarianism linked with the Six Days of Creation, the Six Ages of Man, and the Six Ages of the World.

Ca. 1470-1480 CE

Bruges (?)

Authority name: Vrelant, Willem, -1481

Supplied name: Willem Vrelant associates

Known as: Willem Vrelant

Authority name: Liédet, Loyset, approximately 1420-1479

Supplied name: Loyset Liédet associates

Known as: Loyset Liédet

Book

Historical

The primary language in this manuscript is French, Middle (ca.1400-1600).

Parchment

Medium to heavy-weight parchment, well selected and prepared; front flyleaf i is antique laid paper with marbled paper on on one side, conjoint with matching pastedown; back flyleaf i is antique laid paper, with watermark of grape cluster and words "SL[?] MOVLT[?]"; back flyleaf ii same as front flyleaf

Foliation: i+361+ii

Original foliation in red Roman numerals, upper right corners, rectos; missing folio resulted in these numbers being imperfect, therefore modern pencil foliation added (used here)

Formula: Quires 1-41: 8 (fols. 1-328); Quire 42: 8, with fourth folio missing (fols. 329-335); Quire 43: 8 (fols. 336-343); Quire 44: 6, with sixth folio canceled (fols. 344-348); Quire 45: 8 (fols. 349-356); Quire 46: 6, with sixth folio canceled (fols. 357-361)

Comments:

31.4 cm wide by 43.7 cm high

19.7 cm wide by 28.3 cm high

1. Columns: 2
2. Ruled lines: 38
3. Ruled in rose or purple

fols. 1r - 361v:

1. Title: "Trésor de sapience"
2. Artists: Vrelant, Willem, -1481; Liédet, Loyset, approximately 1420-1479
3. Incipit: Qui le tresor de sapience veult mettre en laumaire
4. Contents: Historical account from Creation through 138 CE, often with mixture of Biblical and secular themes; fols. 1r-v: Author's prologue; fols. 1v-25v: Creation to Aod's slaying of King Eglon (Gen. 1-Judges 3.14-28) in seventy-one text divisions; fols. 25v-39r: History of Thebes; fols. 39r-59r: History of Troy; fol. 59r-v: The birth of Obed (Ruth 4); fols. 59v-87r: History of Britain with seventy-five text divisions, starting with the invasion of Brutus; fols. 67v-86v: Third Age of the World; fols. 86v-87r: Overview of Italian kings since Aeneas; fols. 87r-132r: History of Rome with 106 headings, from Romulus and Remus and founding of Rome in 753 BCE, to defeat of Gauls by Marcus Valerius in 349 BCE; fols. 132r-174v: Alexander the Great and preceding rulers, with continued history of Rome through the victories of Agathocles over the Carthaginians (310-307 BCE); fols. 175r-254v: History of Rome, including war between Romans and Tarentines in 282 BCE; fols. 254v-318v Julius Caesar's career from 58 BCE through his assassination in 44 BCE; fols. 318v-348v: Biblical themes, and Roman Emperors through Hadrian (d. 138 CE)
5. Hand note: Written in Burgundian littera batarda; several hands apparent; distinct change of hand at fol. 192r; Table of Contents, fols. 349r-361r, by different scribe from rest (likely not originally part of volume)
6. Decoration note: Ninety-eight illustrations total: six miniatures spanning two text columns; thirty-six miniatures spanning one text column; fifty-six historiated initials (5-7 lines); marginalia at six major text openings; decorated illuminated initials at major text openings (2-4 lines), at secondary text divisions (2 lines); periodic illuminated margins; line fillers found on fols. 1r-80v only; rubrics in red; text in brown ink; see Randall's Flemish catalog, pp. 368-370, for her extensive analysis of artistic influences and related manuscripts

fols. 349r - 361v:

1. Title: Table of contents
2. Rubric: Cy commence la table des rubrics dun chascun chappitre de ce present volume qui traite de tous les royaumes et des roys qui ont regne depuis la creation du monde iusques a la destruction de Iherusalem.
3. Incipit: Premierement le prologue de lacteur

fol. 1r:

1. 
2. Title: Trinity enthroned, Six Days of Creation (First Age of the World)
3. Form: Two-column miniature, 25 lines + 2cm arch
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: Author's prologue

fol. 6r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "O" with Thare, his son Abraham, daughter-in-law Sarah, and grandson Lot en route from Ur to the land of Canaan
3. Form: Historiated initial "O," 5 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: Creation to Aod's slaying of King Eglon

fol. 7r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "A" with God promises Abraham progeny
3. Form: Historiated initial "A," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: Creation to Aod's slaying of King Eglon

fol. 8v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "A" with Sacrifice of Isaac averted by angel
3. Form: Historiated initial "A," 5 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: Creation to Aod's slaying of King Eglon

fol. 16v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "E" with Infant Moses afloat in basket grasped by Pharaoh's daughter kneeling on bank of Nile
3. Form: Historiated initial "E," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: Creation to Aod's slaying of King Eglon

fol. 18r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "U" with God-head in burning bush before Moses
3. Form: Historiated initial "U," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: Creation to Aod's slaying of King Eglon

fol. 19r:

1. 
2. Title: God hands Ten Commandments to horned Moses kneeling on Mount Sinai
3. Form: One-column miniature, 10 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: Creation to Aod's slaying of King Eglon

fol. 21v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "Q" with Horned Moses gives red book of the Law to five Israelites
3. Form: Historiated initial "Q," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: Creation to Aod's slaying of King Eglon

fol. 25r:

1. 
2. Title: Left: Historiated initial "E" with Idolatry practiced by three Israelites worshiping nude female and male idols atop two columns; right: Historiated initial "A" with Aod kills King Eglon of Moab, freeing Israelites from bondage
3. Form: Historiated initial "E," 5 lines; right: historiated initial "A," 5 lines
4. Text: Left and right: Trésor de sapience: Creation to Aod's slaying of King Eglon

fol. 26r:

1. 
2. Title: Episodes in the life of Oedipus
3. Form: Two-column miniature, 22 lines + 2.1cm arch
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Thebes and Troy, from youth of Oedipus through interpolated biblical themes to birth of Obed

fol. 29r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "L" with Joust in Courtyard between knights Tydeus and Polynices, suitors of daughters Deipyle and Argeia of King Adrastus of Argos
3. Form: Historiated initial "L," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Thebes and Troy, from youth of Oedipus through interpolated biblical themes to birth of Obed

fol. 31v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "N" with Forces of King Adrastus enter Thebes
3. Form: Historiated initial "N," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Thebes and Troy, from youth of Oedipus through interpolated biblical themes to birth of Obed

fol. 32v:

1. 
2. Title: Liber pater on peninsula flanked by men, behind them the construction of city Nysa
3. Form: One-column miniature, 10 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Thebes and Troy, from youth of Oedipus through interpolated biblical themes to birth of Obed

fol. 33r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "Q" with Jahel, wife of Haber, hammers nails into head of Sisara, leader of oppressing Canaanites
3. Form: Historiated initial "Q," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Thebes and Troy, from youth of Oedipus through interpolated biblical themes to birth of Obed

fol. 36v:

1. 
2. Title: Ninth Labor of Hercules, entailing conquest of belt of Amazon queen Hippolyta
3. Form: One-column miniature, 10 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Thebes and Troy, from youth of Oedipus through interpolated biblical themes to birth of Obed

fol. 38r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "A" with Abimelech mortally wounded by “piece of a millstone” cast by woman from battlements of Thebes at right, killed at his request by armor bearer with sword to avoid posthumous indignity of having been slain by a woman
3. Form: Historiated initial "A," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Thebes and Troy, from youth of Oedipus through interpolated biblical themes to birth of Obed

fol. 39r:

1. 
2. Title: Prelude to first capture of Troy
3. Form: One-column miniature, 11 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Thebes and Troy, from youth of Oedipus through interpolated biblical themes to birth of Obed

fol. 43r:

1. 
2. Title: Greeks land at Troy, Hector slays crowned Patroclus in Achilles’ armor
3. Form: One-column miniature, 11 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Thebes and Troy, from youth of Oedipus through interpolated biblical themes to birth of Obed

fol. 44r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "Q" with Achilles slays Hector in calvary combat, mêlée behind, Troy beyond
3. Form: Historiated initial "Q," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Thebes and Troy, from youth of Oedipus through interpolated biblical themes to birth of Obed

fol. 45r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "L" with Troilus astride horse slain by Achilles, mêlée and tents behind, Troy beyond
3. Form: Historiated initial "L," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Thebes and Troy, from youth of Oedipus through interpolated biblical themes to birth of Obed

fol. 47r:

1. 
2. Title: Sack of Troy by the Greeks facilitated by treachery of Trojan princes Antenor and Aeneas
3. Form: One-column miniature, 11 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Thebes and Troy, from youth of Oedipus through interpolated biblical themes to birth of Obed

fol. 52r:

1. 
2. Title: Aeneas sails from Carthage; Dido commits suicide in her chamber by falling on sword, observed by dog in courtyard
3. Form: One-column miniature, 13 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Thebes and Troy, from youth of Oedipus through interpolated biblical themes to birth of Obed

fol. 56r:

1. 
2. Title: Battle between Aeneas and Turnus, king of the Rutulians; death of Pallas, son of King Evander of the Arcadians
3. Form: One-column miniature, 12 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Thebes and Troy, from youth of Oedipus through interpolated biblical themes to birth of Obed

fol. 57r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "I" with Samson rending lion
3. Form: Historiated initial "I," 7 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Thebes and Troy, from youth of Oedipus through interpolated biblical themes to birth of Obed

fol. 60r:

1. 
2. Title: Invasion of Britain
3. Form: Two-column miniature, 23 lines + 1.8cm arch
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Britain, from invasion of Brutus though secular and biblical episodes to Third Age of the World, closing with review of kings of Italy since Aeneas

fol. 64v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "A" with Combat of David and Goliath
3. Form: Historiated initial "A," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Britain, from invasion by Brutus through secular and biblical episodes to Third Age of the World, closing with review of kings of Italy since Aeneas

fol. 67v:

1. 
2. Title: King David receives messenger presenting diadem and scepter of deceased Saul on bended knee
3. Form: One-column miniature, 11 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Britain, from invasion by Brutus through secular and biblical episodes to Third Age of the World, closing with review of kings of Italy since Aeneas

fol. 71v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "Q" with Joab plunges spear into Absalom, latter suspended by hair from oak tree
3. Form: Historiated initial "Q," 7 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Britain, from invasion by Brutus through secular and biblical episodes to Third Age of the World, closing with review of kings of Italy since Aeneas

fol. 77r:

1. 
2. Title: Queen of Sheba kneels before enthroned Solomon
3. Form: One-column miniature, 11 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Britain, from invasion by Brutus through secular and biblical episodes to Third Age of the World, closing with review of kings of Italy since Aeneas

fol. 87r:

1. 
2. Title: Birth of twins Romulus and Remus
3. Form: Two-column miniature, 18 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, from birth of Romulus and Remus and foundation of Rome to victory of Marcus Valerius over the Gauls

fol. 90v:

1. 
2. Title: Solomon's idolatry in old age, prelude to establishment of ten tribes of Israel
3. Form: One-column miniature, 11 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, from birth of Romulus and Remus and foundation of Rome to victory of Marcus Valerius over the Gauls

fol. 96v:

1. 
2. Title: Blinded Tobias lying on riverbank, sparrow above; angel Raphael with kneeling Tobit, son of Tobias
3. Form: One-column miniature, 11 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, from birth of Romulus and Remus and foundation of Rome to victory of Marcus Valerius over the Gauls

fol. 98v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "E" with King Nebuchadnezzar's dream vision of an idol
3. Form: Historiated initial "E," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, from birth of Romulus and Remus and foundation of Rome to victory of Marcus Valerius over the Gauls

fol. 100v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "E" with Nimbed Daniel surrounded by five lions in "den" shaped like hexagonal font
3. Form: Historiated initial "E," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, from birth of Romulus and Remus and foundation of Rome to victory of Marcus Valerius over the Gauls

fol. 105r:

1. 
2. Title: King Balthazar and queen mother Nitocris feasting; Daniel addressing king
3. Form: One-column miniature, 11 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, from birth of Romulus and Remus and foundation of Rome to victory of Marcus Valerius over the Gauls

fol. 108r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "Q" with Vengeance of Queen Tomyris: beheading of King Cyrus the Elder after his defeat
3. Form: Historiated initial "Q," 7 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, from birth of Romulus and Remus and foundation of Rome to victory of Marcus Valerius over the Gauls

fol. 112r:

1. 
2. Title: Judith with sword in hand, prepares to put severed head of Holofernes into sack held by kneeling maidservant
3. Form: One-column miniature, 11 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, from birth of Romulus and Remus and foundation of Rome to victory of Marcus Valerius over the Gauls

fol. 115r:

1. 
2. Title: Miracle after siege of Rome by Etruscan chieftain Porsenna of Clusium and Tarquinius Superbus, last king of Rome: Gaius Mucius Scaevola, Roman would-be assassin of Tarquinius, puts hand in fire to prove imperviousness to pain
3. Form: One-column miniature, 11 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, from birth of Romulus and Remus and foundation of Rome to victory of Marcus Valerius over the Gauls

fol. 122r:

1. 
2. Title: Queen Ester, consort of Ahasuerus (Artaxerxes), kneels before him to plead the cause of the Jews
3. Form: One-column miniature, 13 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, from birth of Romulus and Remus and foundation of Rome to victory of Marcus Valerius over the Gauls

fol. 124r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "E" with Ahasuerus before blindfolded corpse of Haman on gallows erected for Ester's uncle Mardochai
3. Form: Historiated initial "E," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, from birth of Romulus and Remus and foundation of Rome to victory of Marcus Valerius over the Gauls

fol. 126v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "B" with Marriage of Gallic king Brennus to daughter of Burgundian king Seguin
3. Form: Historiated initial "B," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, from birth of Romulus and Remus and foundation of Rome to victory of Marcus Valerius over the Gauls

fol. 127v:

1. 
2. Title: Conquest of Rome by Gallic king Brennus and his brother Belinus
3. Form: One-column miniature, 11 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, from birth of Romulus and Remus and foundation of Rome to victory of Marcus Valerius over the Gauls

fol. 128v:

1. 
2. Title: Victory over Brennus by Camillus, recapture of Rome
3. Form: One-column miniature, 12 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, from birth of Romulus and Remus and foundation of Rome to victory of Marcus Valerius over the Gauls

fol. 129r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "E" with Diogenes in his study
3. Form: Historiated initial "E," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, from birth of Romulus and Remus and foundation of Rome to victory of Marcus Valerius over the Gauls

fol. 130v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "O" with Manius Curtius rides across ground opening beneath him, his sacrifice intended to save Rome following injunction of oracle
3. Form: Historiated initial "O," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, from birth of Romulus and Remus and foundation of Rome to victory of Marcus Valerius over the Gauls

fol. 131v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "L" with Roman leader Gaius Marcus clashes with Tusculans; combat of Roman leader Marcus Valerius Corvus in Gaul
3. Form: Historiated initial "L," 5 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, from birth of Romulus and Remus and foundation of Rome to victory of Marcus Valerius over the Gauls

fol. 132v:

1. 
2. Title: Birth of Alexander the Great
3. Form: Two-column miniature, 23 lines + 1.9cm arch
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: Alexander the Great and preceding rulers, history of Rome resumed to victories of Agathocles over Carthaginians

fol. 135r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "A" with Aristotle instructing Alexander
3. Form: Historiated initial "A," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: Alexander the Great and preceding rulers, history of Rome resumed to victories of Agathocles over Carthaginians

fol. 153r:

1. 
2. Title: Siege of Constantinople by Philip II of Macedon and his heir Alexander
3. Form: One-column miniature, 12 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: Alexander the Great and preceding rulers, history of Rome resumed to victories of Agathocles over Carthaginians

fol. 154r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "U" with Magician pushed off hill on his death by Alexander after revealing paternity
3. Form: Historiated initial "U," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: Alexander the Great and preceding rulers, history of Rome resumed to victories of Agathocles over Carthaginians

fol. 155v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "A" with Alexander III, crowned and with scepter, receives two messengers bringing gifts from Darius III of Persia
3. Form: Historiated initial "A," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: Alexander the Great and preceding rulers, history of Rome resumed to victories of Agathocles over Carthaginians

fol. 157v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "E" with Alexander the Great before high priest
3. Form: Historiated initial "E," 5 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: Alexander the Great and preceding rulers, history of Rome resumed to victories of Agathocles over Carthaginians

fol. 162r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "A" with Ten Tribes of Israel enclosed between two mountains due to Alexander the Great's prayer to God
3. Form: Historiated initial "A," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: Alexander the Great and preceding rulers, history of Rome resumed to victories of Agathocles over Carthaginians

fol. 164v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "C" with Alexander the Great learns of his imminent death by poison from the trees of the sun and the moon in India
3. Form: Historiated initial "C," 7 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: Alexander the Great and preceding rulers, history of Rome resumed to victories of Agathocles over Carthaginians

fol. 167v:

1. 
2. Title: Death of Alexander the Great
3. Form: One-column miniature, 11 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: Alexander the Great and preceding rulers, history of Rome resumed to victories of Agathocles over Carthaginians

fol. 168v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "O" with The Second Samnite War: defeat of the Romans by the Samnites at Caudine Forks
3. Form: Historiated initial "O," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: Alexander the Great and preceding rulers, history of Rome resumed to victories of Agathocles over Carthaginians

fol. 175r:

1. 
2. Title: Combat of Romans and Tarentines in southern Italy
3. Form: Two-column miniature, 21 lines + 1.7mm arch
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 177r:

1. 
2. Title: Victory over Romans at Heraclea, Tarentine ally king Pyrrhus of Epines brings 25,000 men and 20 elephants
3. Form: One-column miniature, 11 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 181v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "Q" with First Punic War, Romans repel Carthaginians off cape Ecnomus, fain foothold on African soil at Clypea
3. Form: Historiated initial "Q," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 182r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "P" with Romans fend off attack by Carthaginians on Panormus, capture elephants
3. Form: Historiated initial "P," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 190r:

1. 
2. Title: Hannibal oversees shipment of gold seized after Carthaginian victory over Romans at Cannae in Apulia
3. Form: One-column miniature, 10 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 192r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "U" with Scipio Africanus wars against Hannibal, captures Cathago Nova
3. Form: Historiated initial "U," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE

fol. 195v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "L" with Roman victory over King Antiochus III of Syria
3. Form: Historiated initial "L," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE

fol. 196r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "A" with King Antiochus III of Syria slain by two armed priests in temple
3. Form: Historiated initial "A," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE

fol. 197r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "Q" with Suicide of Hannibal
3. Form: Historiated initial "Q," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE

fol. 200v:

1. 
2. Title: Destruction of Carthage at command of Scipio Africanus
3. Form: One-column miniature, 9 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 201r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "U" with High priest Mattathias kills Jew who sacrificed to idols in presence of King Antiochus the Younger
3. Form: Historiated initial "U," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 203v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "L" with Forces of King Antiochus the Younger pursue army of Judas Maccabaeus
3. Form: Historiated initial "L," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 205v:

1. 
2. Title: Judas Maccabaeus prepares to send messenger to Rome to propose alliance against Syrians
3. Form: One-column miniature, 11 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 210v:

1. 
2. Title: Jonathan, brother of Judas Maccabaeus, stabbed by Syrian traitor Tryphon
3. Form: One-column miniature, 10 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 212v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "P" with Murder of high priest Simon and son while feasting, betrayed by son-in-law Ptolemy
3. Form: Historiated initial "P," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 215r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "Q" with Captured Roman consul Hostilius Mancinus stripped by Numantians
3. Form: Historiated initial "Q," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 215v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "Q" with Destruction of Numantia by fire, decisive Roman victory ending resistance in Spain
3. Form: Historiated initial "Q," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE

fol. 216r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "O" with Aristonicus Pergamum kneels before Roman captors after defeat by Marcus Perperna
3. Form: Historiated initial "O," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 220r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "T" with King Jugurtha of Numidia watches soldier carrying out orders to kill his stepbrother Adherbal and companion
3. Form: Historiated initial "T," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 228r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "A" with King Jugurtha and father-in-law Boochus, king of Mauretania, defeated by Roman forces under Gaius Marius at Cirta in Algeria
3. Form: Historiated initial "A," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 229r:

1. 
2. Title: Arrest of King Jugurtha by Gaius Marius, or king Bocchus persuaded to surrender king Jugurtha after giving him refuge
3. Form: One-column miniature, 12 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 232v:

1. 
2. Title: Victory of Gaius Marius at Aix
3. Form: One-column miniature, 11 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 236r:

1. 
2. Title: Sulla receives two messengers of King Mithradites VI of Pontus
3. Form: One-column miniature, 12 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 237r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "Q" with First great Roman civil warL clash of forces of Gaius Marius and Sulla
3. Form: Historiated initial "Q," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 238v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "E" with Pompey empowered to destroy pirates by Lex Gabinia
3. Form: Historiated initial "E," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 243v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "L" with Catiline conspiracy foiled by Marcus Tullius Cicero
3. Form: Historiated initial "L," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 253r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "A" with Siege of Jerusalem by Aretas III of Arabia
3. Form: Historiated initial "A," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 254v:

1. 
2. Title: Julius Caesar receives command from Roman senate to conquer Gaul
3. Form: One-column miniature, 11 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 259r:

1. 
2. Title: Julius Caesar's victory over the Helvetii
3. Form: One-column miniature, 12 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE

fol. 268r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "P" with Caesar's victory over the Belgae
3. Form: Historiated initial "P," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 270r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "D" with Julius Caesar presented with keys to city after conquest of Beauvais and other cities
3. Form: Historiated initial "D," 6 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 272r:

1. 
2. Title: Victories of Julius Caesar in Gaul
3. Form: One-column miniature, 12 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 282v:

1. 
2. Title: Invasion of Britain by Julius Caesar repulsed by Cunobelinus
3. Form: One-column miniature, 13 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 294r:

1. 
2. Title: Julius Caesar and legions en route to Rome, arrive at banks of the Rubicon, sight of wild-haired giant bagpiper standing in river and blowing horn interpreted as vision of peace of Rome
3. Form: One-column miniature, 13 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 303v:

1. 
2. Title: Battle between Julius Caesar and Pompey in Macedonia
3. Form: One-column miniature, 12 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 306r:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "Q" with Flight of Pompey and followers to Egypt on two ships
3. Form: Historiated initial "Q," 7 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 314v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "O" with Julius Caesar victorious in Africa
3. Form: Historiated initial "O," 7 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 317r:

1. 
2. Title: Assassination of Julius Caesar
3. Form: One-column miniature, 12 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 326v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "A" with Aristobulus and Alexander, banished sons of Herod, appear in Rome before Caesar Augustus at time of annunciation of birth of John Baptist and of Christ
3. Form: Historiated initial "A," 7 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 331v:

1. 
2. Title: Historiated initial "S" with St. John Baptist preaching
3. Form: Historiated initial "S," 7 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

fol. 343v:

1. 
2. Title: Capture of Jerusalem by Vespasian and son Titus
3. Form: One-column miniature, 12 lines
4. Text: Trésor de sapience: History of Rome, recounting war between Tarentines and Romans in 282 BCE, exploits of Julius Caesar from 58 BCE through assassination in 44 BCE, interpolated biblical themes, Roman emperors through Hadrian

The binding is not original.

Rebound in France ca. 1770 in brownish red leather with lap-mitered corners; resewn on six double cords at original stations of eight pairs of deep cuts; gilt-tooled designs on covers and spine; gilt title on spine reads "HIST. UNIVERSELLE DES ANCIENS ROYAUMES Mss. sur velin avec miniatures"; white and pink end bands worked with edge-bead around rolled paper core; gilt edges

Bruges(?), completed ca. 1470-80; illuminated under the influence of Loyset Liédet, Willem Vrelant, and Ghent artisans

Adolph of Burgundy, seigneur of Bevres, Vere, and Flissinghe (1489-1540), member (as of 1516) of the Order of the Golden Fleece. as were his father Philip of Burgundy (d. 1498) and grandfather Anthony of Burgundy (1421-1504, "Grand Bâtard de Bourgogne," illegitimate son of Philip the Good); his armorial shield repainted on fol. 1r (center base), surrounding area abraded

Illustrations include twenty-six other heraldic or decorative banners; recognizable of the heraldic banners are Brabant (fols. 43r, 56r, 177r), Flanders (fol. 130v), Byzantium (fol. 153r), Britain (fol. 282v)

Rebound ca. 1770, perhaps for Duke Louis-César de La Vallière, his ownership alleged on end flyleaf i,v

Family of Rev. Fletcher Fleming of Rayrigg, Windermere, Westmoreland, approximately twenty-five miles northwest of Lancaster, in possession by 1866; ancestral bookplate with interlaced initials "RF" centered on fol. i,v; later penciled arabic numerals before roman numerals in table of contents beginning on fol. 349v likely entered by "Rev Fletcher Fleming," his signature below bookplate, inscription above: "History of the World from the Creation of it to the Emperor Adrian / From the Celebrateed Library of Duke De La Valiere"

Maggs. Bros., Cat. 330, lot 229; London, 1914

Leo S. Olschki, Florence, 1916; sold to Henry Walters in New York City, Nov. 6, 1916 (James C. Anderson inventory, WAG Registrar's Department)

Walters Art Museum, 1931, by Henry Walters' bequest

Withee, Diana. "More than a Miniature: Art in the Book". The Walters 42, no.7 (September 1989):4-5, p. 4, fol. 167v.

Thomson, James C. Music through the Renaissance. Dubuque, Iowa: William C. Brown, 1984, p. 92, fig. 3.13 (fol. 167v)

Randall, Lilian M. C. Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts in the Walters Art Gallery. Vol. 3. Belgium, 1250-1530. Baltimore and London: Johns Hopkins University Press in association with the Walters Art Gallery, 1989; pp. 358-371, cat. no. 273; figs. 512-514, pl. XXXVII.

Jonathan J. G. Alexander. "Dancing in the Streets." Journal of the Walters Art Gallery 54 (1996):147-162, pp. 147-62, fig. 19, fol. 26r.

Caswell, Jean M. “Two Manuscripts from the Chroniques II Workshop: Chroniques de Hainaut, volume II, and Morgan-Macon Golden Legend.” Revue belge d'archéologie et d'histoire de l'art 62 (1993): 17-46; p. 25.

Watson, C. K. "Histoire universelle des Anciens Royaumes, XVth Century Manuscript" (talk delivered Feb. 8, 1866), Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries 3 (1864-67): 248-252.

Olschki, Leo S. "Manuscrits très précieux: Histoire universelle des Anciennes Royaumes." La Bibliofilia 17 (Feb.-Mar. 1916): 453-462

De Ricci, Seymour, and W. J. Wilson. Census of Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts in the United States and Canada. Vol. 1. New York: H. W. Wilson Company, 1935; p. 849, cat. no. 520.

Clouzot, Martine. Images de musiciens (1350-1500): Typologies, figurations et practiques sociales. Turnhout: Brepols, 2007; p. 177.

Bousmanne, Bernard and Thierry Delcourt (eds.). Miniatures flamandes 1404-1482. Belgium: Bibliothèque royale de Belgique, 2011, p. 256.

Bousmanne, Bernard. Item à Guillaume Wyelant aussi enlumineur: Willem Vrelant, un aspect de l'enluminure dans les Pays-Bas méridionaux sous le mécénat des ducs de Bourgogne Philippe le Bon et Charles le Téméraire. Bibliothèque Royale de Belgique. Turnhout, Belgium: Brepols, 1997; p. 58, 378.

McKendrick, Scot. “Reviving the Past: Illustrated Manuscripts of Secular Vernacular Texts, 1467-1500.” In Illuminating the Renaissance: The Triumph of Flemish Manuscript Painting in Europe. Edited by Thomas Kren and Scot McKendrick, 59-78. Los Angeles: The J. Paul Getty Museum, 2003; p. 76.

Principal cataloger: Randall, Lilian M.C.

Catalogers: Herbert, Lynley; Herbold, Rebekah

Editor: Herbert, Lynley

Copy editor: Dibble, Charles

Conservators: Owen, Linda; Quandt, Abigail

Contributors: Emery, Doug; Herbold, Rebekah; Noel, William; Ransom, Allison; Tabritha, Ariel; Toth, Michael B.; Wiegand, Kimber

The Walters Art Museum

Licensed for use under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported Access Rights, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/legalcode. It is requested that copies of any published articles based on the information in this data set be sent to the curator of manuscripts, The Walters Art Museum, 600 North Charles Street, Baltimore MD 21201.