Willehalm – Wolfram von Eschenbach
Willehalm – Wolfram von Eschenbach
InquiryWolfram von Eschenbach’s later work
A PAINTED MANUSCRIPT UNIQUE IN ITS OWN KIND
What we have today, the torso alone, gives us an idea of the original beauty of this splendid, elegant manuscript: Coloured pen and ink drawings on every page accompany the scenes within the text, with figures and symbolism that convey the manuscript with a unique position among German court epic illumination.
Faithful facsimile plates including all eleven fragments of the manuscript known to us. Cgm 193, III of the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, Munich, and Hz 1104–1005 Capsula 1607, Graphische Sammlung des Germanischen Nationalmuseums, Nuremberg, produced around 1270. 52-page introduction text by Ulrich Montag and 20 facsimile plates, in the format 25x32cm. Limited to 950 numbered copies worldwide.
DOCUMENTARY FOLDER
An excellent example of Wolfram von Eschenbach’s poetry is given in our documentary folder containing 2 original facsimile leaves from Willehalm and Parsifal (facsimile edition out of print see p. 20) and a commentary text. Limited to 176 numbered copies.
Caracteristics
Willehalm – Wolfram von Eschenbach | |
| Creation Year | |
| Place of Origin | |
| Library and Signature: | Eleven fragments of the manuscripts found to date:
|
| Extent | 52 pages |
| Miniatures | 20 facsimile plates |
| Type of Manuscript | Manuscript |
The Edition
Willehalm – Wolfram von Eschenbach | |
| Format | 32cm x 25cm |
| Limitation | 950 numbered copies worldwide |
| Binding | Green half-leather binding |
| Publisher | Müller und Schindler |
| Item Number | 51028 |
Questions and Answers
The Willehalm manuscript stands out for its coloured pen and ink drawings on every page, which visually accompany the scenes of the text. The figures and symbolism give the manuscript a unique position in German courtly epic illumination, setting it apart from other works of its genre.
Eleven fragments of the manuscript have survived, including Cgm 193, III from the Bavarian State Library in Munich, and Hz 1104–1105, Capsula 1607, from the Graphic Collection of the Germanic National Museum in Nuremberg. These fragments date back to the late 13th century.
The manuscript is available in a limited facsimile edition, consisting of 950 numbered copies. This edition includes a 52-page introduction by Ulrich Montag and 20 facsimile plates in a 25x32 cm format, faithfully reproducing the surviving fragments of the original.
The documentary folder includes two facsimile leaves from Willehalm and Parzival as well as a commentary section. This limited edition, restricted to 176 numbered copies, offers another example of Wolfram von Eschenbach’s masterful poetry.
Parzival is considered one of the most important works of medieval literature, focusing on the quest for the Holy Grail. It is both a tale of chivalry and a profound reflection on spiritual and moral questions. The work greatly influenced subsequent authors and works, particularly in the tradition of the courtly romance.
A manuscript is the original handwritten document, often richly illustrated, while a facsimile is an exact reproduction of this original. Facsimiles allow the study of rare or fragile manuscripts without damaging the originals, making them especially valuable for research and for sharing these historical works with a wider audience.
