Sermon guide of a Regensburg Priest

Bavaria (Regensburg area), 1446–1466
Paper, illuminated in the workshop or the environment of Martinus Opifex, around 1440/50
This manuscript most likely served as a sermon guide for a Priest in Regensburg. It is a beautiful example of an illustrated functional manuscript. The drawings are from various illuminators. The Dance of Death is associated with the Regensburg illuminator Martinus Opifex (Master Martin) and his workshop. He was one of the best southern German illuminators and also worked for Emperor Frederick III in Vienna.
Fol. 56r: An original Dance of Death is presented on three pages. In the centre, the laughing figure of Death stands in front of an empty grave. Behind him a scroll reads "Ego finis illorum" (I am their end). The four surrounding scenes show activities that Death has ended: counting money, a dinner party, a wedding and a hunt. The horseman galloping through the landscape in particular can be particularly well be compared with works by the Regensburg illuminator Martinus Opifex.