The miniatures

More than one hundred episodes from the Bible, a profusion of illuminated initials, and the beautiful calligraphy of the text of this codex make it the undisputed leader among all Mozarabic Bible manuscripts. It has been said that this is the only Mozarabic Bible which can be properly documented. The creative genius of Florencio offered new departures in pictorial art, blending elements originating in Sassanid, Visigothic, and Islamic art together with new features from Carolingian sources. In the Bible episodes, Mozarabic art takes a new turning. In these illustrations, the characters speak and express themselves through the language of the eyes: dilated pupils against the huge whites of the eyes, large hands, long fingers gesturing, all in striking colour.