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Composite manuscript containing the Rule of Saint Benedict and various other texts, 1560

 Item
Identifier: MS 152
Front cover
Front cover

Scope and Contents

A composite manuscript connected with the Benedictine Monastery of San Lorenzo, in the Castello neighbourhood of Venice. The first text was commissioned by the Abbess Cipriana Michiel. The texts are preceded by a table of contents which appears to be an addition and which includes detailed heading for the first four texts (all written by the same hand). The table of contents starts on f. iiir. It is introduced by the rubric Al nome del nostro Signore Jesu Chisto. Incomincia la tavola delli capitoli della Regola di San Benedetto et d'alcune altre cose spirituali et prima.

Contains four texts, in three different hands.

ff. 1r-22r: 'Rule of Saint Benedict'.

ff. 23r-32v: Prescriptive texts for the education of the nuns, including 'Ten Commandments', 'Apostles' Creed', and 'Further rules for the nuns'.

ff. 33r-48v: 'Sermons'.

ff. 49r: 'Forma Iuramenti' ('Oath formula').

Writing

A fine example of late ornate Italian Gothic script, with rubrics, blue and red filigree capitals, and ornamental catchwords. There is a change of hand at f. 33r and on f. 49r.

Illumination

F. 1 has an ornamental floriated initial on a dull gold ground, and a complete border of conventional foliage in blue and gold on a dark lake ground, all of a late type.

Dates

  • Creation: 1560

Language of Materials

Italian and Latin.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open to all. The manuscripts can be consulted in the Centre for Research Collections, Edinburgh University Main Library.

Extent

1 bound MS volume

Custodial History

This seems to be a Venetian manuscript, written for the Benedictine Convent of San Lorenzo, Venice, in the third quarter of the 16th century (see f. 22). The Forma Juramenti at the end, of date 1530 and 1566, has been added. The only other mark of ownership is the inscription both at the beginning and at the end: Ex Libris Aloysii Caligo Stis Veneti Anno 1818.

Previous reference

Laing 40.

Previous title

Title given to the manuscript in Catherine Borland's catalogue: Rule of S. Benedict, abbreviated for the Convent of S. Laurence, Venice.

Physical Facet

Material: Vellum.

Binding: Oak boards, covered red morocco, gold tooling, figure of Virgin and Child on the front board, Y.H.S. on the back, two straps with brass loops and pins.

Collation: I7 (I now paper, VIII and IX cut out), a10-e10 + 2 = 59.

Dimensions

28.58 cm x 19.37 cm

General

Secundo folio: Come l'Abbate.

Foliation and number of lines to a page: ff. 50 (+9), 29 lines to a page.

Repository Details

Part of the University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections Repository

Contact:
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(0)131 650 8379