King Wenceslaus’Astrological Codex

Prague, shortly after 1400
Parchment
King Wenceslaus was one of the most important bibliophiles of his age. Besides the famous Wenceslaus Bible (an Old Testament in German language, today in the National Library of Vienna), he owned this important, illuminated astronomical-astrological codex. It contains Latin translations of Arabic and Hebrew, Jewish texts and is lavishly illustrated with images. Some of them cover full pages. The codex was compiled by the court astronomer Terzysko. He is portrayed on fol. 8r.
Fol. 39v: Monumental illuminations, taking up almost half the page, of the constellations: here the Auriga. In the background the initials W and e shine against a black background: W possibly stands for Wenceslaus and e for marriage, alliance ("Ehe"), indicating the close connection of Wenceslaus with his kingdom and the crown.