13th century, early and late (for central circular miniature)
Language
Latin
Title
Septenarium pictum.
Description
Circular diagram, deriving in part at least from Hugh of St.
Victor, De quinque septenis, surrounded by a rectangular scheme of
the Four Ages and the ecclesiastical year. At the centre, an
inscription surrounds a later painted miniature (late 13th century,
stuck in to replace the original central piece which was cut out)
of Christ in majesty, seated on a throne with hands raised and two
swords coming from his mouth. The outer circle contains the seven
deadly sins. Each is represented by a coloured drawing in a
medallion and its subdivisions are written in smaller circles
branching from it (Superbia is given prominence, represented
full-length, under an arch). The second circle links the seven
petitions of the Lord's Prayer to the seven deadly sins, following
the scheme of Hugh. The third circle gives the seven gifts of the
Holy Spirit. the fourth circle has seven virtues (with numerous
subdivisions and definitions). The innermost circle has the seven
beatitudes. Along the outer edges of the diagram are represented
the Four Ages of Man (the inscriptions have been cut off by
cropping and are much rubbed). At the corners are medallions. Top,
second from the left: Adam; top right: Moses; bottom right:
Nativity (partly cut off); bottom left: the risen Christ; top left:
Christ in judgement, holding a book. Inside and parallel to the
ages are arranged parts of the Church year. At the top of the
sheet, on either side of Superbia, are written explanatory texts.
Decorated initials with penwork flourishing.
This manuscript is a single sheet of parchment folded in four. The
upper half has a piece of suede, originally sewn to, but now pasted
on, the back with a projecting flap to form a cover. The lower half
and the flap have been mounted on linen. Edges cropped, especially
on the right-hand side.
