• Decretum

Extent:
  • 332, i leaves : parchment, illustrations ; 470 x 300 (270-275 x 160) mm bound to 480 x 320 mm.
Date:
  • 1250-1300
Language:
Author:
  • Gratian, active 12th century
Abstract:
  • The decretum with the Glossa ordinaria initially compiled by Johannes Teutonicus of Halberstadt around 1215–1218 and revised by Bartholomew of Brescia around 1245
Description:
  • Ms. codex.
  • Title from caption above incipit (fol. 3a).
  • Following the colophon: An incomplete transcription of a constitution of 1251 "Cum in concilio Lugduniensi" by Pope Innocent IV (fol. 331r); Table of contents listing distinctiones and causae in all three parts of the Decretum Gratiani (fol. 331v-332r) and a 2-column listing of the Seven Sacraments, Seven Cardinal Virtues, Articles of the Faith, Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost, and others. In a third column are aphorisms, clarifications, and references to authorities with a 43-line list of aphorisms, and another legal list of 15 items (fol. 332r).
  • Collation: Parchment ; fols. i + 332 + ii ; contemporary catchwords in red ink at the center of final folios of each quire, except for a catchword in a banderole (fol. 107v) ; contemporary quire marks in all quires ; modern foliation in pencil.
  • Layout: 2 columns of 56–57 lines surrounded by systematic gloss
  • Decoration: Italian Gothic. Thirty-eight folios include column miniatures, figured initials, bas-de-page illustrations, and other forms of significant decoration. Lesser divisions marked with 4-line initials in blue, pink, vermillion, gold, and white; 3-line red or blue initials with penwork of the opposite color. See the entry in Medieval & Renaissance manuscripts in the Princeton University Library, volume 1, pages 215-216 for detailed descriptions of the miniatures.
Binding note:
  • Italy, 17th century (?). Green calf over pasteboard (approximately 7 mm thick), chamfered at edge, with five large brass bosses on each board (one at each corner and one at the center) and green-silk bookmarks sewn into the binding from the headband. Blind-stamped concentric rectangular frame.
Provenance:
  • Early provenance unknown. Late medieval owners or users of the manuscript added glosses on fols. 2r-3r and inscriptions “decreto” and “michael” on fol. 2v. Robert Garrett (1875-1961), of Baltimore, Maryland, Class of 1897, purchased the manuscript on 15 July 1925 from Quaritch. Garrett's gift to the Princeton University Library, 1942.
Source acquisition:
  • Gift of Robert Garrett, 1942.
Contributor:
  • Princeton University. Library. Manuscript. Garrett MS. 97.
References:
  • Medieval & Renaissance manuscripts in the Princeton University Library, volume 1, pages 213-217.
Alternative:
  • Decretum Gratiani
  • Canonum concordia
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