Rulers have always functioned as a role models.
With the help of images, the role-model function could also be maintained beyond the death of the ruler. This is also what this depiction of Robert of Anjou is about. The illumination presents the King of Naples surrounded by personifications of the positive qualities attributed to him: he is virtuous, learned and his decisions are rational. His excellent character was intended to serve as a moral role model for the first owner of the Bible, the young Andrew of Hungary.
In good company
Robert of Anjou is depicted as a ruler, enthroned with an orb and sceptre. He is surrounded by eight virtues. Four are the cardinal virtues, Iusticia (justice), Fortitudo (courage, which is not personified but embodied by the figure of Hercules), Prudencia (prudence) and Temperancia (moderation). They stretch a canopy over Robert, thereby recognising his royal dignity while also highlighting themselves in doing so. Behind them stand Curtisia (politeness), Puritas (purity), Discrecio (discretion) and Lialta (loyalty, also embodied by a male figure). Below the throne and the figures, meanwhile, seven personified vices fall into the abyss with the devil. The virtues, which triumph over the vices, are to be understood as the pillars of royal rule. They illustrate the qualities that a wise and just ruler must demonstrate. Thanks to various sources originating from the near the court of Anjou, we know that Robert of Anjou was well-read, well-versed in politics and theology, and virtuous. The personifications help to reinforce precisely this image of the wise and good ruler. The selection of virtues associated with him is striking, as it does not correspond to any of the well-known series of virtues and vices, and was therefore tailored to Robert individually.
The composition of the figures surrounding Robert is so unusual that some can only be identified by the inscriptions in their octagonal halos. For example, the personified Justice lacks any attribute – which would usually be a sword or scales – while Puritas, Purity, appears winged and Curtisia, Courtesy, is adorned with flowers. Courtesy is to be understood in the medieval sense and means behaviour appropriate to the princely court, i.e. refined, well-behaved, mannerly.
Prudencia, Prudence, is identified as a woman with two faces, which may indicate a careful consideration, while Temperancia, Moderation, is depicted with a bridle – she restrains urges and passion. Behind the two appear the virtues Discrecio and Lialta. Their attributes are unusual and difficult to interpret: Discretion carries a sword and an object reminiscent of a spindle, while Loyalty holds a plumb line and compass.
Under the feet of the virtues and the king, the vices fall into the abyss. While the virtues appear in human form and in courtly garments, the vices are depicted as demonic hybrid creatures with fur, wings or horns. They thus visualise the distinction between good and bad characteristics.
