The Restoration of the ‘Vienna Dioscorides’

Abstract

THE 'Vienna Dioscorides' is an illustrated manuscript made for the Imperial Princess Anicia Juliana of Byzantium about the year A.D. 512. The manuscript consists for the main part of a Herbarium with pictures of plants and their description, taken chiefly from the work on pharmacology of Dioscorides (first century A.D.) and also from the works of Krateuas (a physician of the first century B.C.) and of Galen (A.D. 129-199). The main part is followed by a book of birds and several smaller works on pharmacology. Bound in the front of the volume are six splendid pictures, including one of the dedication to the Imperial Princess. Being one of the oldest painted manuscripts of firm origin and date, this Greek codex has a particular importance in the history of art. There are 479 paintings, 392 of them full page, and many of them exquisite examples of Byzantine art. The restoration of this codex has been avoided for a long time because of its great value. However, the condition of its parchment leaves has now made conservation treatment imperative.