Cantiga Collection

Fol. 61v Game of pelota in the open air, from the manuscript made under the direction of
XIR226506 Fol.61v Game of pelota in the open air, from the manuscript made under the direction of Alfonso X (1221-84) The Wise, King of Castile and Leon (vellum) by Spanish School

Fol. 53r Departure of a Boat for the Crusades, written in Galacian for Alfonso X (1221-84
XIR192833 Fol.53r Departure of a Boat for the Crusades, written in Galacian for Alfonso X (1221-84) (vellum) by Spanish School, (13th century); Biblioteca Monasterio del Escorial, Madrid

Fol. 64r The Falcon Hunt, from the manuscript made under the direction of Alfonso X
XIR243775 Fol.64r The Falcon Hunt, from the manuscript made under the direction of Alfonso X The Wise King of Castille and Leon (vellum) by Spanish School

Fol. 16v Engagement Banquet, from the manuscript made under the direction of Alfonso X
XIR175908 Fol.16v Engagement Banquet, from the manuscript made under the direction of Alfonso X The Wise King of Castille and Leon (vellum) by Spanish School

Fol. 200r Death of a bull in the ring, from the manuscript made under the direction of
XIR243776 Fol.200r Death of a bull in the ring, from the manuscript made under the direction of Alfonso X The Wise King of Castille and Leon (vellum) by Spanish School

Juan Ruiz (1283-1350), the Archpriest of HIta. Medieval Spanish poet. Memorial plaque to Juan Ruiz. Hita (native town). Spain

Canticles of Holy Mary. Men arresting a peasant
Canticles of Holy Mary. 13th century. By Alfonso X of Castille, named the Wise. Illustration depicting two men arresting a peasant. Folio 236. Canticle 2r. Royal Library. Monastery of El Escorial

MENDES DE BESTEIROS, Alfonso. Portuguese troubadour. Cantiga by Alfonso Mendes. Poem n 1558. Cod. 10941. PORTUGAL. Lisbon. National Library

Alfonso X, called The Wise (1221-1284). Cantigas
" Alfonso X, called " The Wise" (1221-1284). Cantigas de Santa Maria (Virgin Mary Songs). 13th c. MS T.I. 1. Codex Rico. Cantiga 63. Fol. 92R

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"Cantiga: A Glimpse into Medieval Spain's Cultural Tapestry" Step back in time and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Cantigas de Santa Maria, a collection of songs dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This remarkable manuscript, created under the direction of Alfonso X, also known as The Wise, offers a window into medieval Spanish society. Fol. 61v transports us to an open-air game of pelota, where we witness the excitement and camaraderie that filled the air during leisurely pursuits. As we turn to Fol. 53r, our eyes are captivated by a poignant scene depicting the departure of a boat for the Crusades. Written in Galacian for Alfonso X himself, this illustration speaks volumes about his devotion and commitment to his faith. The manuscript continues its visual journey on Fol. 64r with an exhilarating depiction of falcon hunting—a popular pastime among nobility during those times. The attention to detail is awe-inspiring as we observe every movement captured under Alfonso X's watchful eye. Moving forward to Fol. 16v, we find ourselves amidst an engagement banquet—an occasion brimming with merriment and celebration as two families unite through marriage. It serves as a testament not only to love but also to social customs prevalent at that time. But Cantiga doesn't stop there; it delves deeper into Spanish life with Juan Ruiz's (the Archpriest of Hita) contribution on Men arresting a peasant—highlighting societal dynamics beyond royalty or nobility. Alfonso X's influence resurfaces throughout these pages—his wisdom evident in each stroke of artistry and storytelling within Cantigas' sacred verses honoring Holy Mary herself. As we reach Fol. 200r, our gaze falls upon another facet of Spanish culture—the bullring—a symbol both revered and controversial even then.