Chronicon Casauriense

The manuscript was commissioned at the end of the 12th century by Abbot Leonas and compiled by Johannes Berardus
The cartulary chronicle combines deeds of the Abbey of San Clemente a Casauria with a narrative chronicle of its history
The texts are accompanied by around 40 delicate pen-and-ink drawings depicting the emperors, kings, bishops, abbots, and monks mentioned therein

Chronicon Casauriense

Latin 5411 Bibliothèque nationale de France (Paris, France)

Description

Chronicon Casauriense

Cartulary chronicles are among the most intriguing and rare sources from the European Middle Ages. They combine copies of documents on legal issues and properties with narrative, historiographical passages. One of the most significant surviving examples of this special type of manuscript is the Chronicon Casauriense. This illuminated cartulary chronicle of the Abbey of San Clemente a Casauria was commissioned by Abbot Leonas at the end of the 12th century and tells the history of the monastery in Abruzzo from its foundation until 1182, the year of Leonas' death. The importance of the abbey as an imperial donation is particularly emphasized. San Clemente a Casauria was endowed in 871 by none other than the Carolingian Roman Emperor Louis II (825–875). The chronicle text was written by Magister Rusticus, who immortalized himself with this name in the colophon, in narrow columns on the inner margins of the pages, which he highlighted with filigree red framings, while the texts of the deeds occupy the usual space on the pages. Remarkably, the manuscript was also enriched with around 40 pen-and-ink drawings, mainly depicting the former abbots of the abbey as well as monks, bishops, kings and emperors.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: La storia dell'abbazia di San Clemente a Casauria
Iohannis Berardi Liber instrumentorum
Chronicorum Monasterii Casauriensis
Johannes Berardi: Chartularium monasterii Casauriensis
Chronik von S. Clemente
Chronicle of San Clemente
Liber instrumentorum seu chronicorum monasterii Casauriensis
Type: Manuscript on parchment
Size / Format: 544 pages / 40.5 × 26.0 cm
Origin: Italy
Date: End of the 12th century
Epochs: High Middle Ages
Style: Romanesque
Genre: Chronicles / History / Law
Language: Latin
Script: Protogothic minuscule
Illustrations: About 40 fine pen-and-ink drawings and numerous large decorated initials
Content: Cartulary chronicle of the Abbey of San Clemente a Casauria for the years 871 to 1182
Patron: Abbot Leonas of Casauria
Artist / School: Johannes Berardus (compiler)
Magister Rusticus (scribe)

Available facsimile editions:

Facsimile Editions

#1 Chronicon Casauriense. Liber instrumentorum seu chronicorum Monasterii Casauriensis.

Commentary: 1 volume (26 pp.) by Alessandro Pratesi
Language: Italian

1 volume: Exact reproduction of the original document (extent, color and size) Reproduction of the entire original document as detailed as possible (scope, format, colors). The binding may not correspond to the original or current document binding.

Order / Ask a Question

You might also be interested in:

Vita Mathildis

Monastery of Saint Apollonius in Canossa (Italy) – 1115

About the powerful mediator in the famous Investiture Controversy: the life and work of the deeply devout Mathilda of Canossa in the gold-decorated miniatures of a talented Benedictine monk

Experience More

Liber Magistri

Italy – 1146

An encyclopedia of the Middle Ages as comprehensive as it is large: fundamental information on history, liturgy, music, theater, occultism, medicine and agriculture on more than 900 illuminated pages

Experience More

Giovanni Leardo Map of 1442, with Letter of Prester John

Italy – 12th century and 1442

Of wondrous realms and monstrous creatures: an influential letter about a mythical country and Giovanni Leardo's breathtaking Mappa Mundi with the most recent findings of late medieval expeditions

Experience More

Saint Francis of Assisi: Solet Annuere and letters (Collection)

Italy – 1223–1226

An unbiased look at one of the greatest saints of the Middle Ages: the only two surviving autograph letters written by Saint Francis and other documents from his eventful life

Experience More

Gospels of Matilda, Countess of Tuscany

Monastery of San Benedetto in Polirone, Mantua (Italy) – Ca. 1075–1099

The work commissioned by one of the most powerful women at the time of the Investiture Controversy: Countess Mathilde of Tuscany not only as a political mediator but also as a patron of the arts with exquisite taste

Experience More

Liber Vitae of Corvey Abbey

Bursfelde Abbey (Germany) – 1160–1608

Experience More

Filter selection

Style

Genre

Origin

Language

Publisher

Show all available expressions

Chronicon Casauriense