A Detached Folio 108 with Part of Vulgate Psalm 118 (117)

June 18, 2022 in Manuscript Studies

A Leaf on Vellum with Part of Vulgate Psalm 118 (117)

Collection of Stephen Soderlind

Single leaf from a large-format manuscript in Latin
Single Columns of 14 Lines
Circa 29 1/2 × 19 1/4 inches <written area circa 25 1/4 × 14 1/4 inches>

Psalm 118 (117):18–22 (Domus Aaron sperauit . . . super filios uestros)

Folio “108”
Single column of 14 lines in Gothic Bookhand
with embellishments in red pigment
(bounding lines, ruled lines, and initials)

Collection of Stephen Soderlind, Single Leaf in Frame as purchased: Front of Frame. Reproduced by Permission.

[Posted on 18 June 2022]

Continuing our series of brief reports about stray manuscript leaves which emerge in various collections — as the leaves move from one to the next, and as collectors reach out to us with images, information, and questions about their materials, and wish to share them with a wider world — we report a new find from an estate sale.

The large leaf now belongs to the Collection of Stephen Soderlind. It arrived in a plain frame with a windowed red mat, which overlay the outer edges of the leaf and held it in place, as if cropped.

Within the window, the arabic number 108 in a modern hand at the top right above the single column of text appears within view. Without the chance to see the other side of the leaf, hidden within the frame, it remained uncertain whether the number serves as the folio number (for one side of the leaf) or the page number (for this side of the leaf in particular, reserving another number for the other side).

The back of the frame holds little information.

Collection of Stephen Soderlind, Single Leaf in Frame as purchased: Back of Frame. Reproduced by Permission.

Released from the frame, the wrinkles and creases in most parts of the leaf are characteristic of vellum subjected to humid conditions for an extended period, without the stretching under pressure while drying requisite to produce, or reinstate, the smooth surface of vellum or parchment. The wrinkles visible through the glass of the former frame indicate that the leaf as displayed and stored therein pertain to that stage in the life of the leaf, if not already before.

Closer examination yields further information about the leaf and its genre of book. We examine both sides of the leaf, consider some features in detail, and open the discussion for analysis of the probable place and date of origin. We invite your observations and suggestions.

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