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Single Leaf from a Decretum by Gratian: Decorated Initial Q[uidam habens filium obtulit]
![Single Leaf from a Decretum by Gratian: Decorated Initial Q[uidam habens filium obtulit]](/p/731/single-leaf-decretum-gratian-decorated-initial-19641677.jpg.webp "Single Leaf from a Decretum by Gratian: Decorated Initial Q[uidam habens filium obtulit]")
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Single Leaf from a Decretum by Gratian: Decorated Initial Q[uidam habens filium obtulit]
Single Leaf from a Decretum by Gratian: Decorated Initial Q[uidam habens filium obtulit], 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 19641677
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Burgundy Ink And Tempera On Vellum
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a single leaf from the Decretum by Gratian, a renowned handbook of church law. Created around 1160-1165, this leaf was carefully excised from its original manuscript and features an exquisite decorated initial Q. The intricate design of spiraling lotus petals surrounding the letter adds a touch of elegance to the page. The text on this leaf introduces the first Causa, or case of law, which revolves around simony – the act of profiting from sacred things. It narrates a story where a man offers his son to a wealthy cloister, raising intriguing questions about morality and religious practices during that era. The style of illumination and script used in this leaf suggests that it dates back to between 1160 and 1165. Interestingly, in November 1164, Thomas Becket sought refuge at Pontigny due to his conflict with King Henry II of England. During his stay there, Becket delved into studying church law extensively, making references to the Decretum later on. This raises speculation that this very leaf could have been part of the original manuscript consulted by Becket himself. Sadly, following the suppression of the monastery during the French Revolution in the late 1700s, this precious volume was dismembered. However, thanks to Heritage Art/Heritage Images' preservation efforts through their print reproduction process, we can still admire and appreciate this significant piece of history today.
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