This manuscript tells the tale of the legendary hero Alexander the Great - a model of military genius and adventurous spirit. Inspiring generations throughout the Middle Ages and beyond, the Roman d’Alexandre recounts the mythical story of his life, battles, conquests and fantastic encounters. From giants and dragons, amazons and a variety of beasts, this manuscript’s thrilling imagery takes its observers on a unique journey. Given that only fifteen copies of the Roman d'Alexandre en prose survive to this day, this book can be considered a veritable legend in its own right. Our copy features 60 exquisite miniatures showing fantastic scenes full of imagination. The yet unidentified artist depicts the hero embarking on an underwater voyage, safeguarded by a glass submarine and accompanied by a menagerie of marine creatures, fish, and strange ocean-dwelling humans.

1. Made for an unknown aristocrat in Northern France, c. 1290-1300.
2. Adrien-Augustin-Almaric, comte de Mailly, marquis d'Haucourt et de Nesle, prince d'Orange, born February 19, 1792 in Paris, died July 1, 1878 at la Roche-Mailly castle.
3. At same location when Arnould Adrien Joseph de Mailly, marquis de Nesle and Harcourt (1853-1897) shows it to the Société Bibliographique et des Publications Populaires du Mans in 1893.
4. USA, private collection built up in the 1950-1960s. By descent to Switzerland, private collection.