Manuscript Identification
settlement
Bergen University Library, Art and Humanities Library
repository
Bergen University Library
idno
MS 1550, 3
Manuscript Content
The variable prayers of the mass (the collecta, the secreta and postcommunio, here called complenda) for St. Severinus, bishop of Cologne (23 Oct), St. Crispinus and Crispinianus (25
Oct), St. Amandus (26 Oct) (of Strasbourg or Worms) and the apostles St. Simon and
Jude (28 Oct). For Simon and Jude is also entered the incipit for the introit, i.e.
the first antiphon of the Mass, as well as the epistle-reading.
For full text, see transcription.
Paper, one leaf,ca 38,5 x 25 cm
Lay-out: There are signs of what appears to be lead ruling, including vertical lines
on both sides of the columns. Full writing space is 25 x 19. There are two columns,
ca 25 x 8,8 cm.
Script: Gothic script, a textualis formata. One noticeable trait is the use of a vertical zigzag-line for m at the end of a
word (cf. ueniam, line 2 or actionem, line 3). The same zigzag-line is used in the abbreviation of
cordibus in line 11. Scribes in German-speaking and Scandinavian countries would use this
sign for m and abbreviations in the fourteenth and fifteenth century (Derolez 2003,
p. 91). This should at least point away from France/England as the place of origin.
The g has a very straight back. In the chant incipit the script is smaller. Rubricated.
Initials: Red and blue initials of various sizes. The first initial for each saint
covers two lines, the others cover one line.
Condition: The fragment is in poor condition, and is reversed (!). The paper is ripped,
and pieces of the text are missing. The text remaining is faded and difficult to read.
The origin is unknown. Referring to the fragment behind the reflection: Traits in
the script may point to a German-speaking or Scandinavian country[Scribes in German-speaking and Scandinavian countries would use a zigzag-line for
m and abbreviations in the fourteenth and fifteenth century (Derolez 2003, p. 91).], but the contents point away from a Norwegian origin, at least, since St. Amandus
was not celebrated in Norway. St. Amandus, bishop of Strasbourg (4. century) was celebrated
in France, and St. Amandus, bishop of Worms (7. century) in Germany and Austria. His
relics are in Salzburg. The Netherlands is also a possible place of origin, since
the Utrecht calendar (1420-1520) contains all our four saints, including St. Amandus.
Used in the book cover of an unknown book. The fragment was kept in the Diploma collection
of Bergen Museum (Bergen University Library), in a box marked (Diplom) “Uden Aar”
(“Undated”), in an envelope marked “Blade af en latinsk Bønnebog, No D.” (“Leaves
from a Latin prayer book, No. D”). It is marked “Bergen Museum” in the margin between
the columns.
Derolez, Albert 2003: The Palaeography of Gothic Manuscript Books From the Twelfth
to the Early Sixteenth Century, Cambridge.
Patrologia latina online (Gregorius I: Liber sacramentorum). Used for the transcription.
Tveitane, Mattias et. al.: Bergen University Library Manuscript Catalogue [unpublished]