The Codex Manesse is a Liederhandschrift (manuscript containing songs), the single most comprehensive source of Middle High German Minnesang poetry, written and illustrated between c. 1304-1340. The manuscript contains almost 6,000 verses from 140 poets arranged in order of rank. Emperor Henry VI comes first followed by kings, dukes, margraves, counts, barons, ministerialis and lastly commoners..This 11x15 framed print is an illustrative interpretation of a poem by Hartmann von Starkenberg. It depicts a male blacksmith working and a woman bringing him a meal. This copy shows shadow printing of some the Iconic capitals and handwritten verse from the ancient manuscript. It appears to have been hand-guilded after printing and has a lovely glow! The paper print has been professionally mounted directly to a foam/cardboard backing without glass. It is framed in a simple, yet beautiful, vintage distressed gold wood frame and appears to have been mounted in the early Mid-century. What a fascinating look into an impactful piece of Medieval history! The picture and frame are in very good vintage condition. The frame has small bits of wear typical to its age from normal usage. The exterior of the frame measures approximately 11"W x 15"H and the interior opening is about 8.75"W x 13"H.
