Songbook of Joan the Mad

Songbook of Joan the Mad

The Songbook of Joan the Mad was likely commissioned by Joan of Castile, who was married to Phillip the Handsome. The manuscript was completed in 1511 and is attributed to the Master of the David Scenes in the Breviary Grimani and Master of the Dresden Prayerbook, who worked out of Bruges. The songs recorded within the handheld songbook were favorites of Joan of Castile and performed at their court. The songs address the different themes of love, yearning, betrayal, sadness, and religion. The songbook is illustrated throughout with biblical scenes of Christ's Passion, tearful eyes, and lovers.

The facsimile of the Songbook of Joan the Mad is a full-size color reproduction of the entire original manuscript. The original leather binding is replicated including the bird and animal motifs and vegetal scrolling. There are 56 miniatures illuminated in gold throughout the facsimile. The handheld facsimile is contained within a brown velvet cushioned box with gold lettering on the binding of the box.

Original MS: Master of the David Scenes in the Breviary Grimani, Master of the Dresden Prayerbook, Antoine de Gavere

Facsimile: UNT Willis Library Sandborn Reading Room, Call Number: ML96.5 .C343 2007
Original MS: Bruxelles, Bibliothèque royale de Belgique, MS IV 90

Valencia: Patrimonio Ediciones

Facsimile: 2006
Original MS: 1511

NA

Valencia: Patrimonio Ediciones

Squarcialupi codex

54 pages, illustrated, 10 x 12 cm

Middle French, Flemish, and Latin

Dutch Illustrated Music Manuscript

Handheld illustrated songbook

Bruges, Gothic, Northern Renaissance, c. 16th century

Prepared by Tania Kolarik