The Wigalois by Wirnt von Grafenberg

An Arthurian Romance in Magnificent Illustrations

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Faksimile-Edition

The Wigalois by Wirnt von Grafenberg: The Manuscript

Medieval Book Art to Hold in Your Hands

This masterpiece of literature is now brought back to life through an exceptional facsimile edition. Based on the magnificent, illustrated Leiden manuscript from 1372, considered the richest and most splendid transmission of the novel, this limited edition offers an unparalleled experience. Across 236 pages, 49 richly colored miniatures in vibrant opaque colors, gold, and silver accompany the text. Particularly exceptional are the carpet-like decorated backgrounds, which are unique in epic illustration. The faithful reproduction of this manuscript allows you to experience a masterpiece of medieval book art up close.

 

Under the Magnifying Glass

Fol. 40v: Wigalois, identifiable by his shield bearing the wheel emblem and matching crest on his helmet, is shown in battle against the steward of Roimunt, who is identified by a titulus (inscription): Dit is eyn borchsetich ridder von roymunt (“This is a steadfast knight of Roymunt”). The romance recounts that after an inconclusive joust, Wigalois is welcomed by the steward of Roimunt and escorted into the castle, where he later meets Larie. The image, however, places a slightly different emphasis: the steward’s lance splinters, while Wigalois’ remains intact.

 

The Wigalois by Wirnt von Grafenberg: The Edition

The Manuscript and the Facsimile at a Glance

The Wigalois romance by Wirnt von Grafenberg (circa 1220) ranks among the most popular Arthurian epics in German. Now, for the first time, the most splendid of all surviving manuscripts – created in 1372 at Amelungsborn Abbey – is being published as a limited facsimile edition by Quaternio Verlag Luzern.

Manuscript: Leiden, University Library, LTK 537
Date of Origin: Completed on January 6, 1372
Place of Origin: Amelungsborn Abbey (Lower Saxony)
Format: Approximately 24 x 17 cm
Extent: 236 pages (118 folios)
Artists: Illustrator unknown; scribe: Jan von Brunswick
Patron: Duke Albert of Brunswick
Illumination: 49 miniatures in vivid, fresh colors, richly adorned with gold and silver
Binding: Brown leather binding with gilt spine.
Commentary Volume for the Edition: A team of Wigalois experts is working to bring this illustrated manuscript to life for readers. In addition to a general introduction to the work and its author, Gesine Mierke and Christoph Schanze provide translations, while Jef Jacobs and Barend Verkerk are responsible for the transcription. Christoph Fasbender investigates the linguistic context of the text. Margit Krenn and Manuel Hoder offer detailed commentary on the colorful illustrations.
Important Note: Please note that the commentary volume is available in German only. However, the text can be easily translated into English online, using a PDF file which we will provide for our English-speaking customers.
Print Run: 480 copies

The facsimile edition will be released in autumn 2026.

Im Moment leider nicht verfügbar.

Faksimile-Edition

A Challenging Production: fac simile

High-Resolution Digitization
At the University of Leiden’s photographic studio, a female photographer captures every minute detail of the original manuscript using state-of-the-art technology. Special lighting ensures the brilliant reproduction of every gold and silver element, faithful to the medieval masterpiece.

Expert Lithography Preparation
Lithrographers with decades of experience prepare the digital data for printing. Each step demands meticulous care: colors are meticulously matched to the original, and even the smallest gold leaf accents and silver embellishments in the manuscript are verified and replicated with precision.

Brilliant Printing and Finishing
The facsimile is produced by a long-standing printing partner specializing in high-precision color and precious metal reproduction. Every page is printed with utmost care, ensuring the vivid hues of opaque paints, gold grounding, and silver highlights reflect the manuscript’s medieval splendor.

Traditional Bookbinding Craftsmanship
At the Steinbrener bookbinding workshop—a family-run business celebrating 170 years of tradition in 2025—the printed sheets are hand-folded, stitched, and bound with meticulous attention to detail. The finished book block is embedded into a hand-tooled leather binding, crowned with a gilded spine, creating a physical testament to medieval artistry and modern mastery.

A Labor of Love
For every artisan involved, this facsimile is not merely a professional task but a labor of love. From digitizers and printers to master binders, their collective passion transforms centuries-old narratives into a tangible, timeless treasure for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Faksimile-Edition

The Facsimile Folder for the Edition

The Facsimile Portfolio introduces you to the colorful visual world and the enchanting text of the Arthurian epic. The three miniatures on the original facsimile sheet are extensively described in the accompanying booklet, with the text transcribed and translated.

32-Page Accompanying Booklet
Includes contributions from the commentary volume authors:
• Gesine Mierke and Christoph Schanze (translation and introduction)
• Jef Jacobs and Barend Verkerk (textual transcription)
• Margit Krenn and Manuel Hoder (analysis of the miniatures)

Important Note: Please note that the facsimile folder is available in German only.

The Wigalois by Wirnt von Grafenberg