A Miniature of Pope Sylvester with a Steam Organ

This miniature illustrates a celebrated legendary episode associated with Sylvester II, known as the “scientist pope.” The scene, enclosed in a pink and blue frame against a precious golden background, shows a portable organ suspended above the steam rising from a cauldron placed over a fire. On the right, Sylvester II is depicted in episcopal vestments, with mitre and chasuble, gesticulating with both hands while seated on a bench, turned toward the instrument. The image serves as an iconographic illustration to the text narrating the life and technological innovations attributed to Gerbert of Aurillac during his pontificate.