Missal of Reims

Adorned with vividly painted historiated initials on gold leaf, the missal’s imagery includes sinuous branches, flowers, and fruits in striking blue, burgundy, red, and orange hues. These initials, spread throughout the text, depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments and the lives of saints, offering a unique blend of religious symbolism and artistic interpretation.

Originally organized to face each other when opened, the miniatures were rearranged in the nineteenth century, though their original sequence remains uncertain. The missal’s imagery intertwines religious thought with the artist’s personal interpretation, echoing theological foundations and visual storytelling.

Notably, the Credo miniature draws inspiration from Jean de Joinville’s manuscript, recounting events from the Seventh Crusade, adding depth and theological context. Despite Joinville’s earlier work, the Missal of Reims surpasses it iconographically, yet owes its inspiration to Joinville’s manuscript, evident in shared scenes and inscriptions.

Featuring Gothic script, specifically littera gothica textualis formata, the missal’s text exhibits tall, angular letters. Three distinct script styles and corrective annotations in the margins indicate scribe errors rather than actual annotations, showcasing the manuscript’s meticulous creation.

As a liturgical rulebook, the Missale Remense details prayers, feasts, and holy days for mass celebrations, exclusive to priests at the Church of St. Nicasio in Rheims. Its splendid visual adornment features elongated figures, exquisite colors, and meticulous calligraphic scripts that enhance the ceremonial prayers within.

The facsimile edition of the Missal of Reims 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.