Apocalypse of Valenciennes

St. John the Divine’s vision of the end of times is beautifully depicted throughout the codex. Almost every opening of the manuscript displays an image, presenting an innovative format of full-page illustrations accompanied by corresponding Latin text.

Elaborate frames, some adorned with intricate knots, surround all the miniatures. Each image offers unique insights, from the concentric circles highlighting Christ (fol. 10r) to vivid depictions of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (fols. 12v-13r). Many miniatures feature inscriptions that augment the images, provide commentary on the text, and add depth to its interpretation.

The scribe, known as Otoltus, wrote in Caroline Minuscule. With titles in red uncials and capital letters touched in yellow ochre, the manuscript reflects important medieval artistic influences. It was originally housed in the library of the Benedictine monastery of Saint-Amand, but eventually reached Valenciennes and was confiscated during the French Revolution. Its blind-tooled brown leather binding from the 15th century increases its historical importance.

The exact origins of the illuminated manuscript are unknown, but its art has influences from early medieval book art in Flanders and the Rhineland, pointing to its likely creation in west-central Europe. This enigmatic history does not diminish the importance of the manuscript: it houses the oldest complete biblical cycle of images and may have inspired the iconic apocalypses of the Spanish blesseds.

The manuscript is a testament to the high-quality miniatures of early medieval European book art. Each of the thirty-nine half-page miniatures illustrates a passage from the Bible, captivating the reader with vivid scenes depicting the fall of humanity and the torments of hell.

The facsimile edition of the Apocalypse of Valenciennes is complemented by a bookcase for its conservation and a complementary study book made by subject matter experts.

This facsimile is a unique edition of 995 books numbered and authenticated by notarial deed.