Cocharelli Codex Facsimile Edition

The Cocharelli Codex is a fragmentary illustrated manuscript created in early 14th-century Genoa for the Cocharelli family, originally from Provence. Written in Latin, the manuscript includes a treatise on vices and virtues, complemented by a versified history rich in biblical proverbs and moral teachings. Renowned as one of the most extraordinary examples of medieval Italian illumination art, the manuscript's illustrations reflect the work of skilled and talented workshops, although the specific artists involved remain unknown.

Vices, Virtues, and Moral Teachings

The manuscript's allure lies in its abundant illustrations, particularly the striking portrayal of Queen Accidia (or Sloth), who languidly rests in bed, seemingly disinterested despite the distractions around her. Such depictions highlight the theme of the seven capital vices, emphasizing the moral lessons intended for future generations.

The rich color palette and intricate details not only capture the viewer's attention but also reflect a sophisticated understanding of textiles from the Islamic world, showcasing the flourishing trade connections of Genoa.

The Cocharelli Family and Their Journey from Provence

The unnamed author acknowledges his grandfather, Pellegrino Cocharelli, whose family's journey from Provence to Acre culminated in prominence in Genoa. As a member of the Genoese merchant family, the author-compiler demonstrates a strong dedication to education and moral instruction throughout the text.

Particularly noteworthy is the inclusion of exempla that recount historical events related to Genoa and the Latin East in the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries. Many of these narratives are explicitly derived from the personal recollections of Pellegrino Cocharelli, whose commercial activities and presence are documented in Acre, Cyprus, and Genoa between 1269 and 1307.

A Fragmentary Legacy

Today, the codex is preserved in an incomplete state, with 27 surviving leaves and cuttings housed in institutions like the British Library, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence.

At some point in history, the Cocharelli Codex left the hands of its original owners and was dismembered and dispersed. In the nineteenth century, three significant fragments emerged: fifteen cropped leaves and cuttings (Additional 27695 ff. 1–15v) were found interleaved in a Missal dated 1467; seven leaves (Additional 28841 ff. 1–7v) appeared for sale at an auction in London in 1871; and a single leaf (Bargello 2065) was part of an art collection assembled by the Carrand family, which they gifted to the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence in 1889.

In the twentieth century, an additional four fragments were discovered. One leaf (Clev. 1953) was auctioned in Berlin in 1930, along with two other leaves (Egerton 3127 ff. 1–2v) that were purchased by a German book dealer and later resold. Finally, another single leaf (Egerton 3781) resurfaced in 1968 as part of the estate of an English Brigadier.