Visual Translation: Illuminated Manuscripts and the First French Humanists by Anne D. Hedeman
Anne Rochebouet
Reviewed by: Visual Translation: Illuminated Manuscripts and the First French Humanists by Anne D. Hedeman Rochebouet Humanists. By Hedeman. University of Notre Dame Press, 2022. Hedeman's Translation, adapted from a series lectures at in 2013, arises her extensive research on early humanism its material reception through study humanist book production. In this very engaging abundantly illustrated book, she, part, draws expands previously published material, creating cohesive, convincing lavishly illuminated manuscripts, that were produced for courtly audiences but closely associated with two well-known figures fifteenth century, Laurent de Premierfait Jean Lebègue. Chapter 1 begins brief presentation Parisian network century known involvement Lebègue The chapter puts into perspective role they played as voluntary intermediaries between, one hand, Latin classics (Cicero, Sallust, Statius, Terence) or Italian contemporary literature (Boccaccio) and, other their contemporaneous princely audience. argues humanists became gradually aware way which images more generally, manuscripts' mise-en-page mise-en-texte could be crucial aid understanding interpreting content (a process she calls, following Claire Richter Sherman, visual translation). This held true particularly texts culturally and/or chronologically removed environment originally received. considers how shaped access to these audience was used books, chapters focus links manuscripts classics. 2 examines Premierfait's production, between 1405 1407, luxurious copied same scribe, who also worked him. first—London, British Library, Burney MS. 257—contains 129 illuminations illustrating Statius's Thebaid Achilleid. second—a copy Terence's [End Page 144] Comedies decorated 142 (Paris, Bibliothèque nationale France, lat. 7907A)—was New Year's gift Martin Gouge John Berry 1408. Although contain (school favorites circles), were, time, notably absent aristocratic libraries. Courtly familiar stories Thebes Troy primarily adaptations, such Histoire ancienne jusqu'à César Romans d'antiquité. As points out, studied here had both invent entirely new cycles. Earlier copies Statius mostly devoid illustrations; works Terence, contrast, rich iconographic tradition since Carolingian period, inspired, then, made late antiquity, not designed specifically studies cycles detail, always close relation text mediate. She shows pictures are an integral part critical apparatus is intended facilitate readers' text. volume, example, contains no rubrics; illuminations, open all Achilleid Thebaid, give readers structure apprehend text, alongside summaries prose volume. images, Comedies, placed beginning each scene play medieval costumes artistic conventions identify characters' roles social statuses. visualizing classical fifteenth-century frame reference, work make past present understanding. 3 focuses Lebègue's development large cycle Sallust's Conspiracy Catiline Jugurthine War. (Other densely Sallust did exist century.) addition unique set directions how...
Digital philology