Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris, Ms. Français 2810
Marco Polo – Buch der Wunder
The so-called Book of Wonders originated in in France in the 15th century and was illustrated by one of the greatest illuminators of its time. In 84 great miniatures, aligned with gold, the manuscript accounts the fantastic story of the merchant Marco Polo.
Marco Polo – Book of Wonders
Luxurious Miniatures
The 192 pages contain 84 miniatures in a large format which can be ascribed to two different styles: The first one is attributed to the famous Boucicaut Master, one of the greatest innovators among Northern European artists prior to the van Eyck brothers. He was assisted by the so-called Mazerine Master. Together, they are responsible for 37 miniatures.
The second group also is intriguing due to the quality and diligence displayed by the artists who must have worked together in close co-operation. Among them were the Egerton Master and the Bedford Master, who completed 44 miniatures.
Marco Polo´s Wondrous Travels
The story, which inspired the best book illuminators to this true masterpiece is that of the merchant Marco Polo whose father and uncle had already travelled to Asia from 1261 to 1269. In 1271 they headed again for the continent taking the young Marco with them.
Their journey took three and a half eventful years during which they covered a great distance, from Palestine to Persia and on to the Persian Gulf, through Pakistan, the Pamirs and on to the North of China. There, the travellers reached the legendary court of the Mongol ruler Kublai Khan. Speaking a few languages and reading the Mongol script, Marco Polo offered his services to Khan who soon gained confidence in him. Subsequently, Kublai Khan entrusted Marco with confidential missions which lead him through large parts of Eastern Asia but also to some regions of Southern Asia.
Marco Polo had to wait until 1292 to be allowed to travel back to Europe; this time, the journey took him across the sea, along the coast of the Indian Ocean, through Baghdad to Venice where he settled down to lead a normal family life.
Marco Polo - Book of Wonders
Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris, Ms. Français 2810
Graceful Book Illumination of Strange Worlds
The illuminated manuscript on Marco Polo’s fascinating and adventurous travels ranks among the most famous manuscript of the Middle Ages and is considered a highlight of French book decoration. Rarely have secular topics had such an intensive echo. Marco Polo’s reports offered the ideal background for illustration, as people in Europe had always been curious to know about the marvels of the legendary Orient. The most well-know masters of their time steeped the manuscript in enchanting colours and gold, thus creating a unique and lavish testimony to a courageous pioneer’s achievements.
Reports on Mysterious Events
During one of the numerous wars between Venice and Genoa, the far-travelled Marco Polo, then commander of a galley, was taken prisoner and had to spend three years in a Martello tower in Genoa. There, he shared a room with a writer Rusticello, who wrote down his fantastic tales in French. This work has come down to us in a number of different versions and is the first comprehensive geographical and ethnological document on the countries and people of the Orient. It even influenced Columbus who is said to have owned his personal copy of the manuscript.
The marvels of the Orient
During his travels, Marco Polo had taken notes to be able to report to Kublai Khan in detail what he had seen. However, his reports often mention regions which he probably never visited himself. One of the features that makes this book so unique is the fact that the manuscript, reality and fantasy often combine and where medieval believes are intertwined with European tradition, legend and lore.
The Destiny of the Manuscript
From the beginning, this manuscript known as the Book of Wonders has had an eventful history. The initial owner of the manuscript seems to be Jonathan the Fearless, Duke of Burgundy. This is assumed because the luxurious work appears in the inventory of Duke of Berry where it is registered as a gift of the duke of Burgundy. There are personal Symbols and references suggesting that the work was commissioned by John. After Berry’s death, the book passed on to the Armagnac family, the rest is open to conjecture. After this, the codex disappears in the darkness of time and later reappears in the library of King Francis I in the early 16th century. In the late 17th century, the manuscript was bound in its actual cover and decorated with royal arms.
The facsimile edition
The fine art facsimile edition has been published in 980 strictly limited unique copies. Marco Polo’s fascinating adventurous journeys are recounted in a unique work from which 192 pages have been reproduced in the original format of 42 x 30 cm. Combining the most up to date technology with proven craftsmanship and traditional methods enabled us to reproduce the manuscript in full accordance with the original. Bound in a brown kidskin cover and decorated with the royal arms, the book is gilt-edged on three sides; the individual sections are sewn together by hand.
The commentary volume
A comprehensive bilingual commentary volume (German/French) with over 500 offers contributions of renowned experts: Jean Richard, Dijon, François Avril, Paris; and Marie-Thérèse Gousset, Paris. The facsimile edition and the commentary volume are available in a noble book case covered in dark blue Chinese silk.
