"When François I received an illuminated Roman de la Rose, he was given more than a beautiful book-he was given a vision of how to interpret it. This manuscript opens a window onto the poem's two authors, two voices, and two competing understandings of love. Among the extant manuscripts of the Roman de la Rose, none equals the exquisite beauty of the version presented to François I, King of France, shortly after 1521."
"That fascination begins on the first illuminated folio: a sumptuous painting of a royal coat of arms and the stunning visual impression made by the juxtaposition of the blazon with the folio showing the portrait of François I receiving this unique manuscript from the hands of the kneeling scribe, Girard Acarie, who planned and executed it. The Roman de la Rose was one of this humanist king's favourite books. He relished its vast array of classical philosophy, myth, literature, and science"
An illuminated Roman de la Rose presented to François I combines sumptuous illuminations, fine calligraphy, and a painted royal coat of arms with a portrait of the king receiving the manuscript. The presentation highlights the manuscript's visual richness and its role as a mode of interpretation. The poem contains two distinct parts by Guillaume de Lorris and Jean de Meun, differing sharply in length, style, and content. Guillaume's c. 1235 portion offers idealized lyricism, vivid ekphrastic nature scenes, and lively personifications. Jean's c. 1280 addition expands into philosophical commentary influenced by scholastic thought, transforming the work into a vast poetic and intellectual synthesis. The manuscript became a cherished and controversial French classic.
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