Cantigas de Santa María, Códice Rico, folio 4v

The Códice Rico is renowned for its vivid miniatures illustrating the miracles of the Virgin Mary. Scenes depict historical and legendary events, such as the defense of Constantinople, with the Virgin intervening in human affairs. The manuscript also portrays courtly life, including scribes, musicians, and Alfonso X himself, often seated among his scribes and musicians. These illuminations provide invaluable insight into medieval Iberian music, instruments, and social customs.

Following the pages describing the Virgin Mary's miracles, the codex begins with folio 4v. It contains, in the first column, a miniature depicting the king among his scribes and sheet music beginning with a large, decorative initial P. The text in the second column has blue and red initials, alternatively.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 2 minutes): Alfonso el Sabio: Cantiga