Inventory of the jewels owned by Duke Albert V and his wife, Duchess Anne, a member of the Habsburg dynasty and daughter of Emperor Ferdinand I
Date of production: 16th century, 1552-1555. Munich.
Language/Extension: German. 120 pages of very fine parchment or vellum.
Format: 20.5 x 15.4 cm.
Content: The world’s first jewellery catalogue.
Illustrations: 110 refined full-page miniatures illuminated in gold and hundreds of gold rubrics.
Donor: Duke Albert V of Bavaria and his wife, Duchess Anna, a member of the Habsburg dynasty and daughter of Emperor Ferdinand I, niece of Charles V, granddaughter and
great-granddaughter respectively of Joanna I of Castile and of Kings Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic.
Location: Bayerische Staatsbibliothek BSB. Code 429
World edition: Unique and limited to 499 fine facsimile copies, identical to the original codex, illuminated in gold, numbered and authenticated.
Independent volume of studies: historical and artistic introduction and identification of the illustrations with the jewels of the princely collection.
Artist: Mielich, Hans, 1516-1573. He worked for more than 30 years as a painter to the nobles in Munich, was one of the most popular painters of his time and is considered one of the most important Munich painters.
The Jewellery Bequest of
duchess Anna of Bavaria-Habsburg
This unique manuscript was commissioned in 1552 by Duke Albert V of Bavaria, founder of today’s Bavarian State Library.
The codex is an inventory of the jewels owned by the Duke and his wife, Duchess Anna, a member of the Habsburg dynasty and daughter of Emperor Ferdinand I, niece of Charles V, granddaughter and great-granddaughter respectively of Joanna I of Castile and of the kings Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic.
The work contains 110 magnificent illustrations, richly illuminated in gold, by the Munich court painter Hans Mielich.
One of the most impressive paintings is the miniature on the title page showing Albert and Anne playing chess, with Albert portrayed as a knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece.
Because of its extraordinary importance as a work of art, the manuscript was kept in the private ducal and electoral Chamber of Antiquities for almost three centuries, long after the originals of the jewels depicted had been lost.
King Ludwig I did not hand the work over to the Bavarian State Library until 1843.
A journey through the history, culture and art surrounding these jewels
Tales of love and power
Duchess Anne’s jewels are not only glittering treasures, but also silent witnesses to royal romances, strategic alliances and turning points in history.
Through these gems, the reader is immersed in the lives and passions of the characters who have worn these jewels with grace and majesty.
The genius of masters of art such as Michelangelo, Raphael and Dalí in jewellery design
Throughout the history of art, great artists such as the painter Michelangelo, Raphael and Salvador Dalí have created the drawings of their own jewellery designs as if they were one of their pictorial works of art.
It is for this reason that the great fine jewellery houses such as Cartier, Boucheron, Bulgari, etc., keep in their archives the entire creative process of the artistic designs of their pieces from the first lines of the idea, its transformation into a sketch and its subsequent execution into an artistic design.
Royal Splendour: The Jewellery Book of Duchess Anna of Bavaria-Habsburg
In the fascinating world of royalty, jewellery has played a crucial role in the expression of power, status and elegance throughout history. The book dedicated to the jewels of Duchess Anne of Bavaria-Habsburg opens the door to a visual and narrative treasure trove that transports readers through significant eras and events.
A dazzling royal inheritance
Duchess Anna von Bavaria-Habsburg, with her regal lineage, carries with her an inheritance of jewels that bear witness not only to the opulence of her time, but also to the historical connections these gems have with pivotal moments in European history.
Exquisite designs and intricate symbolism
Each piece of jewellery tells a story, whether through its intricate design, selected gemstones or the symbolism it holds. From tiaras that have graced the heads of generations to bracelets that have witnessed royal balls, the book reveals the craftsmanship and cultural significance behind each piece.
The process of creation
The book not only focuses on the story behind the jewels, but also offers a unique insight into the creation process.
From the selection of gems to the meticulous crafting of each piece, readers can appreciate the artistry and skill behind the creation of these masterpieces.
A visual celebration
With stunning images that capture the timeless beauty of each jewel, the book becomes a visual celebration that allows readers to appreciate the magnificence of this royal heritage up close.
The artist:
Hans Mielich
He probably trained with his father Wolfgang and completed his studies in 1536 in Regensburg in the studio of Albrecht Altdorfer, whose use of colour he retained. From 1541 to 1543 he remained in Rome, where he furthered his knowledge and worked for Duke Wilhelm IV and Duke Albert V of Bavaria. He subsequently returned to his native city where he lived until his death.
On 11 July 1543 he joined the Munich painters’ guild, of which he was elected its highest representative in 1558.
He always signed his works with the monogram H.M.
His works are exhibited in the world’s most prestigious museums.
His most important work is the high altar of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Ingolstadt, which he completed in 1572 together with members of his workshop.
Portrait of Duke Albert V of Bavaria, Alte Pinakothek, Munich.
Descent from the Cross, 1536
Portrait of a Woman aged 57, 1539, Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection
Currently on display at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, Barcelona
Crucifixion, 1539, Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, Madrid
Circumcision or Presentation in the Temple, attributed since the 1929 inventory, at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, Madrid
Self-Portrait, c. 1550
Portrait of a Young Woman, 1560
Portrait of Duke Albert V of Bavaria
Portrait of a fifty-seven-year-old woman
Santa Saint Catherine of Alexandria disputing with the Alexandrian philosophers. Reverse of the high altar. Ingolstadt Cathedral
