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Homiliary, written in the second half of the 11th century (?), perhaps in the district of Liège

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MS. Lat. liturg. b. 2
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A Homiliarius, or collection of Homilies, from Bede and other fathers, the Temporale beginning with the season of Easter (fol. i), the Sanctorale on fol. 167v, the Commune Sanctorum on fol. 221. The first homily begins 'Omelia beati Hieronimi presbiteri. De vespere sabbati Paschalis. Quomodo iuxta Matheum uespere sabbati Maria Magdalenę.' On fol. 264v is added, in a 12th century hand, an account of the discovery of St. Michael's cave on Monte Gargano beg. 'Memoriam beati Michaelis': the latter part is lost.

There are many fine capitals in red outline, some connected with figures, well drawn with interesting vestments, see plate xi of the Libri Catalogue, where figures from fols. 35v, 43v, 59v, 103v, 125v, 138, 149v, 162, 189v and writing on fol. 101 are facsimiled. The ornamentation was undoubtedly executed under Hiberno-Saxon influence. In a few cases other colours than red are used (on fols. 97b, 166r, 166v). Fols. 47, 55, 131a 193, are mutilated, and fols. 70 and 117-24 are supplied by later (12th century and 15th century) hands.

Dates

  • Creation: written in the second half of the 11th century (?), perhaps in the district of Liège

Extent

270 Leaves

Language of Materials

  • Latin

Shelfmark

MS. Lat. liturg. b. 2

Other Finding Aids

Falconer Madan, et al., A summary catalogue of western manuscripts in the Bodleian Library at Oxford which have not hitherto been catalogued in the Quarto series (7 vols. in 8 [vol. II in 2 parts], Oxford, 1895-1953; reprinted, with corrections in vols. I and VII, Munich, 1980), vol. V, no. 24722.

Custodial History

The 'original binding, with brass bosses, corners, and clasps' of 1859, has disappeared.

On fol. 1 is 'Liber Monastery Stabulensis' (about A.D. 1700?), so the MS. belonged to the Benedictine monastery of Stavelot in the diocese of Liège, and was perhaps, therefore, acquired by Libri in 1847.

Catalogue of the ... collection of Splendid Manuscripts ... formed by M. Guglielmo Libri 1859 no. 496*.

Physical Facet

On parchment, with many fine capitals, etc., see below, in double columns

Dimensions

17 1/8 × 12 7/8 in.

Repository Details

Part of the Bodleian Libraries Repository

Contact:
Weston Library
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Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom