MINIATURIST, Spanish
(active 1280s)

Book of Chess, Dice and Tables by Alfonso X the Wise, folio 72r

1283
Manuscript (T-I-6), parchment, 404 x 274 mm
Real Biblioteca de San Lorenzo, El Escorial

This manuscript was begun and completed in the city of Seville in 1283. It is a compendium of games composed of three parts: chess (folios 1r-63v), representing intellect; dice (folios 65r-71v), representing chance; and tables (folios 72r-79v), representing a combination of both. At the end of the manuscript (folios 81r-97v), new games such as alquerque, tables, and astronomical board are also included.

The Book of Tables begins with folio 72r. It shows a miniature depicting the King of Castile dictating the set of tables to a scribe, along with three seated figures. Above the miniature, the title of the Book of Tables (Libro de las tablas), written in alternating red and blue capitals, is visible. The text below the miniature has a large, decorative initial P.