Codex Manesse
| Codex Manesse | |
|---|---|
| Heidelberg, Universitätsbibliothek, Cpg 848 | |
Folio 371r, Johannes Hadlaub | |
| Also known as | Große Heidelberger Liederhandschrift |
| Date | c. 1304 |
| Place of origin | Zürich |
| Language(s) | Middle High German |
| Author(s) | c. 140 named Minnesänger |
| Patron | Manesse family |
| Material | Parchment |
| Size | 426 folios |
| Format | 350 x 250 mm, 2 columns |
| Script | Textura |
| Contents | Minnesang |
| Illumination(s) | 137 whole-page miniatures, Lombardic capitals |
The Codex Manesse (also Große Heidelberger Liederhandschrift or Pariser Handschrift) is a Liederhandschrift (a German term for a manuscript containing songs) which is the single most comprehensive source of Middle High German Minnesang poetry. It was written and illustrated between c. 1304 when the main part was completed, and c. 1340 with the addenda.
The codex was produced in Zürich (Switzerland), for the Manesse family.
The manuscript is "the most beautifully illumined German manuscript in centuries"; its 137 miniatures are a series of "portraits" depicting each poet.
It is currently housed in the Heidelberg University Library.
In 2023, Codex Manesse was admitted to UNESCO's Memory of the World.