Saint Petersburg Roman de Troie Commentary

The text, written in French, unfolds an intricate tale of the Trojan War through over thirty thousand rhyming octosyllabic verses, presented as if eyewitnessed by the Trojan Dares. This manuscript, recognized as the largest existing copy of the Roman de Troie, captivates not only due to its generous dimensions —measuring 41 × 28 cm— but also due to its multitude of miniatures and the sumptuous adornments adorning its pages.

These miniatures, adorning the margins and intercolumnations of the manuscript, vividly recount the Roman de Troie‘s content with an abundance of details. From portraying intense battles, including one featuring a centaur in combat, to depicting luxurious interiors and ceremonies, these miniatures bring the ancient epic to life. Notably, the depiction of the wooden horse’s entry into Troy on folio 142r remains an iconic representation within the book.

Reflecting its Italian origins, the manuscript’s script is characteristic of 14th century Italian Rotunda, written in brown and black shades. Painted initials and elegantly flourished red and blue initials further accentuate the text’s poetic structure, enhancing its visual appeal.

During the 14th century, French romances like the Roman de Troie were fervently embraced in Italy, where they were not only widely read but also reproduced with grandeur surpassing their French counterparts. This Italian adaptation’s substantial size and embellishments underscore the Italian elite’s profound interest in these tales of adventure and romance.

While the precise origin of the St. Petersburg Roman de Troie remains uncertain, its journey traverses various hands and locations. Initially owned by Pierre Séguier in 17th-century France, it later found its way to the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris by 1868. Eventually, it was acquired by Peter P. Dubrovsky in the late eighteenth century. Tsar Alexander I later obtained Dubrovsky’s collection, which became an essential part of the Imperial Public Library, now known as the National Library of Russia.

Moreover, in the Italian city of Bologna during the 14th century, another exquisite adaptation of the epic emerged. This adaptation, The Romance of Troy, originated from Benoît de Sainte-Maure’s French masterpiece. The Italian rendition, crafted by an anonymous illuminator, dazzles with its breathtaking miniatures, revealing the events of the ancient legend and providing a compelling insight into Italian life during its creation.

Benoît de Sainte-Maure’s original work, completed between 1155 and 1160, offered a significant literary version of the Trojan epic, inspiring adaptations across the Middle Ages. In the fourteenth century, an anonymous Italian illuminator’s adaptation in Bologna achieved remarkable artistic heights, transforming the French masterpiece into a visually stunning manuscript.

In addition to presenting the tale’s events, the miniatures provide glimpses of everyday life in 14th century Italy, featuring architectural details, furniture, garments, and costumes typical of the era. These illustrations, comparable to the masterworks of Italian painters, not only captivate with their graceful beauty but also serve as invaluable historical artifacts, offering insights into medieval Italian life and culture.

The facsimile edition of the St. Petersburg Roman de Troie is complemented by a bookcase for its conservation.

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