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The Eton Roundels: Eton College MS 177 (Figurae Bibliorum : A Colour Facsimile With Transcription, Translation and Commentary)
Book by Henry, Avril
112 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 1991
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March 13, 2010
This is a very well conceived facsimile edition of an illustrated medieval manuscript. The original document (12 full-page illustrations) illustrates biblical scenes that are in typological relationships. The first two pages illustrate the opening scenes of Genesis. Each of the remaining pages illustrate one of the ten commandments with a scene from the life of Christ and typologically associated Old Testament scenes, prophets and virtues. In addition to the excellent color photographs (reproduced at 1:1), there is a complete transcription of the Latin text and translations into English and modern interpretive commentary. The Introduction is thorough in its consideration of the origin and purpose of the manuscript. This is really a great model for any good facsimile edition.
As an example of a typical page, Fol. 3r has the commandment "Thou shalt not make graven images," written on the bottom of the page. In the center roundel, there is a representation of the Nativity of Christ. Other roundels surrounding the center one depict Daniel's vision of a rock cut without hands, Moses conversing with God in the burning bush, the miraculous rod of Aaron, and Balaam and Daniel prophesying. There are short textual captions around each roundel, but most of the associations between images and the given commandment are implicit and invite the viewer into a contemplative interaction with the document.
As an example of a typical page, Fol. 3r has the commandment "Thou shalt not make graven images," written on the bottom of the page. In the center roundel, there is a representation of the Nativity of Christ. Other roundels surrounding the center one depict Daniel's vision of a rock cut without hands, Moses conversing with God in the burning bush, the miraculous rod of Aaron, and Balaam and Daniel prophesying. There are short textual captions around each roundel, but most of the associations between images and the given commandment are implicit and invite the viewer into a contemplative interaction with the document.
Displaying 1 of 1 review