Rule of the Brotherhood "Nuestra Señora de la Creaçón"

Rule of the Brotherhood "Nuestra Señora de la Creaçón"

The Rule of the Brotherhood “Nuestra Señora de la Creaçón” in the archives of the Burgos Cathedral impressively shows the effect of Flemish illumination as far away as Spain. The manuscript’s pages of miniatures and text are sumptuously littered with magnificent ornamentation, splendid gold, and the most wonderful miniature painting. Originating in the year 1494, it is closely associated with the name of Bishop Luis de Acuña y Osorio, who worked in Burgos and was a close counsellor of Isabella I of Castile. His portrait adorns the book, as well as impressive representations of the Lamentation of Christ or of the Three Kings before the Christ child.

Flemish Miniature Painting from Spain

The broad, ornate frames are the all-encompassing characteristic of the manuscript with the Rule of the Brotherhood “Nuestra Señora de la Creaçón”. They wrap themselves around the miniature and the beginnings of the texts. Floral ornamentation in a fascinating mesh combines with a variety of colors into a true sensual orgy. First discernable upon closer look are the grotesque figures, angels, and animals that populate the overwhelmingly ornamental pages of the manuscript. Armorial initials with lavish gold adorn the pages additionally. Especially worthy of note are the miniatures in slender gold frames. The Flemish style of these miniatures catches the eye immediately. Particularly beautiful, for example, is the landscape in the miniature of the Lamentation. Green hills stretch as far as the walls of a city. The four evangelist symbols adorn the broad decorative frame around the miniature.

Echoes of the Flanders School

The artistic furnishing of the Rule of the Brotherhood “Nuestra Señora de la Creaçón”combines the characteristics of the most famous and beautiful manuscripts of the 14th and 15th centuries. The look of the exuberant decorative frames and the atmospheric miniatures make one think of the great artworks of the miniaturists of Bruges of Ghent. The artist of the Rule of Burgos distinctly oriented himself on the Flanders school and was a true connoisseur of this art.

Bishop Luis de Acuña as the Commissioner?

Nevertheless, the content and language is a bit outdated for the time of creation at the end of the 15th century. Bishop Luis de Acuña y Osorio, whose tomb can be found in the Burgos Cathedral, is depicted in a portrait. He was one of the most influential personalities with connections to Isabella I of Castile, whose close counselor he was. The manuscript with the Rule of the Brotherhood “Nuestra Señora de la Creaçón” is housed today in the archives of the Burgos Cathedral, where true gems of illumination are found. It offers the wonderful opportunity to get to know the art of Flemish illumination, already influenced through the coming of the Renaissance in Italy, in its Spanish implementation.