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Single Leaf from a Decretum by Gratian: Quadruple Arcade with Concordance... c. 1160-1165
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Single Leaf from a Decretum by Gratian: Quadruple Arcade with Concordance... c. 1160-1165
Single Leaf from a Decretum by Gratian: Quadruple Arcade with Concordance of Greek and Latin Alphabets, c. 1160-1165. This leaf was excised from a copy of the handbook of church law known as the Decretum written by Gratian, an Italian Camaldolese monk active in Bologna from about 1130 to 1140. The focus of the leaf is a large decorated letter Q with spiraling lotus petals introducing the first Causa, or case of law. The text begins, " A man having a son offered him to a very wealthy cloister." This case concerns the definition of simony (making profit from sacred things). The style of the illumination and the script date the leaf to between 1160 and 1165. In November 1164, Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, took refuge at Pontigny as a result of his conflict with King Henry II of England. During his stay, Becket immersed himself in the study of church law, as evidenced by his later use of citations from the Decretum. This leaf could have been part of the original manuscript Becket consulted. The volume was later dismembered following the suppression of the monastery during the French Revolution in the late 1700s
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Media ID 19641693
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Burgundy Ink And Tempera On Vellum
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This print showcases a single leaf from the Decretum by Gratian, an invaluable handbook of church law written in the 12th century. The leaf, dating back to around 1160-1165, was carefully excised from its original manuscript and features a stunning quadruple arcade design adorned with intricate decorations. At the center of attention is a beautifully embellished letter Q, surrounded by spiraling lotus petals that introduce the first Causa or case of law. The text on this particular leaf delves into a thought-provoking case concerning simony – the act of profiting from sacred things. It narrates a story where a man offers his son to an affluent cloister, raising questions about morality and religious ethics. Interestingly, this specific artifact holds historical significance as it could have been part of the original manuscript consulted by Thomas Becket during his stay at Pontigny in November 1164. Becket sought refuge there due to conflicts with King Henry II of England and immersed himself in studying church law during his time at the monastery. Unfortunately, following the suppression of the monastery during the French Revolution in the late 1700s, this valuable volume was dismembered. However, thanks to Heritage Art/Heritage Images' meticulous preservation efforts, we can still marvel at this extraordinary piece today through their expertly crafted photo print.
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