Introduction to the Art Historical Method of Medieval Illuminated Manuscript Dating: Gesta Friderici

Abstract

After introductory words about the codical elements being of decisive importance for illuminated manuscripts dating from the aspect of the art history the authoress deals with the transfer of starting points to Cod. Guelf. 206 Helmstet., the oldest transcript of Gesta Friderici (group BI). The codex was transcribed in the Cistercian monastery Stična in the years 1180— 1182. The dating has been grounded with cross comparising of decorative elements, made by different illuminators in different codexes, kept in the Stična library, whereas the existence of the crypto-portrait of the abbot Folknand, vvho died on December 8th, 1180 supports the dating accuracy.