Codex Vigilanus
The Codex Vigilanus or Codex Albeldensis (Spanish: Códice Vigilano or Albeldense) is an
patristic writings, historical narratives (such as the Crónica Albeldense[1] and the Life of Mohammed), various other pieces of civil and canon law, and a calendar. It is now in the library of El Escorial monastery, with the shelfmark D.I.2.[2]
The compilers were three monks of the
King of Viguera.[citation needed
]
The codex contains, among other pieces of useful information, among the earliest mention and representation of Arabic numerals in the West. They were introduced by the Arabs into Spain around the early 8th century.[citation needed]
The illuminations are stylistically unique, combining
Mozarabic, and Carolingian elements. The interlace patterns and the drapery show Carolingian, as well Italo-Byzantine, influence.[3] The use of animals as decoration and for supporting columns also parallels contemporary Frankish usage.[4] More Carolingian and less Byzantine influence is evident in the Codex Aemilianensis, a copy of the Vigilanus made at San Millán de la Cogolla in 992 by a different illustrator.[5]
Notes
Sources
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- Guilmain, Jacques. "Interlace Decoration and the Influence of the North on Mozarabic Illumination (in Notes)." The Art Bulletin, Vol. 42, No. 3. (September, 1960), pp 211–218.
- Guilmain, Jacques. "Zoomorphic Decoration and the Problem of the Sources of Mozarabic Illumination." Speculum, Vol. 35, No. 1. (January, 1960), pp 17–38.
- Guilmain, Jacques. "The Forgotten Early Medieval Artist." Art Journal, Vol. 25, No. 1. (Autumn, 1965), pp 33–42.
- Bishko, Charles Julian. "Salvus of Albelda and Frontier Monasticism in Tenth-Century Navarre." Speculum, Vol. 23, No. 4. (October, 1948), pp 559–590.