Images of Medieval Art and Architecture

The Treasure of Saint Denis

Pontifical of Coronations

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Images

Contemporary Images

Images of extant portions.

Plaque from back cover(?) Image cannot be enlarged

Sample page of Mss. Image cannot be enlarged

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Texts

Description

Pontifical From around 700 AD, containing the ceremonies for the coronation of our Kings. The cover is emaneled vermeil.

Félibien, pages 542. Translated by Jane Vadnal.

History

• At the time of the Revolution, the book cover contained a later manuscript (12th or 13th century) containing the events of the liturgical year.
• The manuscript was taken to the Louvre on December 15, 1793
• Front cover melted down in 1794.
• Manuscript taken to the Bibliothéque Nationale on January 7, 1881.

Notes

Manuscript

• Folios 1-213 and 239-42 are a pontifical (book of ceremonies performed by a bishop) for Rouen, probably made in made in Rouen in the 11-12th or beginning of 13th century.
• Folios 215 to 236 contain prayers appropriate for the processions of the major church celebrations. It was probably made around the middle of the 14 th century.
• May be replacement for the Coronation Book of Charles the Bald, which was lost during the Wars of Religion
• Currently in Paris,Bibliothéque Nationale, Nuov. Acq. lat. 306.
• Parchment, 242 folios
• Height 23.5 cm.; width, 16.5 cm..

Plaque

• May have been mounted on back cover of book.
• Made of elephant ivory.
• Height 18 cm.; width, 10.7 cm.; thickness 2 cm.
• Subject matter: Saint John with his eagle
• Currently in the Louvre, MR. 375.
• Probably made in around 968-980 in either Milan or Magdebourg.

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Comparative Material

Click here to see other manuscripts in the Treasure of Saint-Denis.

Click here to see other items in the Regalia.

Bibliography

Félibien, page 542.

Leroquais, II, pp. 220-9.

Little, pp 122-84 no. 209.

Louvre, no. 22, pages 148-51.

Montesquiou-Fezensac, I amd II, nos. 128 and 151, III P. 67-8 PL. LII