Written between 1230 and 1280, Le Roman de la Rose is one of the most important works of medieval literature, in which a story of noble love is expounded in allegorical and didactic form. This manuscript, possibly originating from Rouen in France, dates from the Renaissance. The delicate and refined decoration of the pages displays a continuation of the medieval tradition of illumination, but new features are also incorporated. The narrative is supplemented by five large miniatures and over a hundred small ones, all painted in vivid colours. The diversity in the poses of the characters, in the architecture and landscape backgrounds and in the use of perspective all testify to growing interest and skill in the depiction of the real world.