For the Early Illumination of the Decretum Gratiani: Codex XXV in the Biblioteca Capitolare di Vercelli

Abstract

The article focuses on codex XXV held at the Biblioteca Capitolare di Vercelli, a partially illuminated copy of the early manuscript tradition of the Decretum Gratiani, originally titled as Concordia discordantium canonum, which became shortly after its composition in Bologna before the mid-twelfth century one among the main reference textbooks for studying and teaching canon law in theWestern MiddleAges.The codex inVercelli has been at the core of a complicate literature and well exemplifies the issues offered by the early illuminated manuscripts of the Decretum, especially those produced in Italy, particularly with regards to the creation place and the origin of the artists responsible for the illumination.

Keywords

• bologna
• vercelli
• romanesque manuscript illumination
• canon law
• decretum gratiani