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Synonyms of Isidore of Seville
(Manuscripts and Rare Books)
This modest German monastic textbook from the middle of the twelfth century survives in excellent condition in its original binding. Isidore of Seville, who died in 636, was the last of the great Latin fathers, whose works became core to the medieval monastic curriculum. The Synonyma, also known as the Liber lamentationum, starts as a dialogue between Man and Reason, in which Reason tells Man how he can reach eternal joy. The second part is a discussion of vices and virtues. The manuscript contains seventy folios and four decorated or inhabited initials.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
German monastic institution [ex libris, fol. 2r, "Iste libellus pertinet ad monasterium sanctum in [......]"]; Sir Thomas Phillipps, ca. 1860-1865 [mode of acquisition unknown] [ no. 22130, (fol. 1r) ]; Gruel and Engelmann collection, no. 130, [date and mode of acquisition unknown] [bookplate on inside upper board]; Henry Walters, Baltimore, June 9, 1903, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Exhibitions
| 1997-1998 | Covered in Meaning: Book Bindings from The Walters. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
| 1984-1985 | Illuminated Manuscripts: Masterpieces in Miniature. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
Geographies
Germany (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 6 7/8 x W: 5 1/16 in. (17.5 x 12.9 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by Henry Walters
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
W.13
