Johannes Hartlieb, Alexander

Johannes Hartlieb (ca. 1400-1468), a personal physician at the Munich court of Albrecht III (1401-1460) since 1440, was a political consultant, diplomat and author of factual texts and literary works. His "Alexander" is a German translation of a Latin Alexander novel compilation conceived as a mirrors for princes and was written on behalf of Albrecht III.

The life of the Greek ruler and world conqueror Alexander (356-323 B.C.) was one of the most popular subjects and fascinated medieval readers not least because of its exotic elements and the "superbia" embodied in Alexander. In addition to historical, geographical and natural history knowledge, Hartlieb's treatment of an exemplary ruler conveys princely qualities in the spirit of the courtly audience.

The text is preserved in 18 manuscripts; 18 printed editions were published up to 1670. This codex from the year 1455 in Bavarian tinged East Swabian, written by the Augsburg councillor Hector Mülich (ca. 1420-1489/90) and his brother Jörg in Bastarda Gothic script, is decorated with 33 coloured pen drawings by Hector. Hector Mülich, who was also the author of a city chronicle, transferred Alexander's history to the Augsburg of his time for his illustrations. The manuscript came into the possession of Johann Jakob Fugger (1516-1575) in the 16th century.

To the digitised copy