Wigalois am Rande des Paradieses

Abstract

Abstract This essay deals with the illustrated Leiden codex of Wirnt von Grafenberg’s Arthurian novel ›Wigalois‹ (Leiden, University Library, Ltk 537). We will show that, in the interplay of text and picture, the codex is meant to privilege a certain interpretation of the novel text, which is a salvatory reading of ›Wigalois‹. We base our examination on the two illustrated pages opening the codex, which shape the visual language of the entire illustration cycle. In addition, this illustration cycle has the function of further emphasising some of the novel’s central scenes and clarifying their potential of meaning. The last illustrated page of the codex integrates the Dukes of Braunschweig-Grubenhagen as patrons of the manuscript into the illustration programme, and provides a back reference ranging from the history of salvation to world history as well as local history.