MS. Holkham misc. 49
Summary Catalogue no.: Not in SC (late accession): no detailed description available
Contents
Physical Description
Layout
50 written lines per page, below top line; in 2 columns
Hand(s)
Fine round Italian bookhand.
Decoration
One miniature, at the bottom of which a coat of arms has been cropped (fol. 5r, lower margin).
With a four-sided border containing the motto and imprese of the patron;.
Nine historiated initials (fols. 20v, 46r, 64v, 80v, 96v, 105r, 118v, 137v, 148r).
Numerous initials in gold and colours.
Lesser initials (one- to three-line) alternately in blue with red penwork, or red with purple penwork.
Binding
Sewn on six cords and bound in wood boards covered with fine purple velvet; the upper cover stamped in gilt with the Coke crest, the spine blank; the joints repaired; in a fitted telescopic leather case also stamped in gilt on the upper cover with the Coke crest, the spine lettered in gilt 'BOCCACCIO | IL DECAMERON | M. S.', and '531' at the bottom.
History
Provenance and Acquisition
Identifiable as the MS. illuminated for Teofilo Calcagnini (1441–88) of Ferrara, courtier of Borso d'Este, for which Taddeo Crivelli (fl. 1452–76) was paid in 1467.
A three-line inscription at the end of the text has been erased.
The Franciscan monastery of Santo Spirito in Reggio Emilia, with their ex libris inscriptions (17th cent.): 'Di. S. Spirito di Reggio' (fols. 1r, 89r).
Probably acquired by Thomas Coke, Earl of Leicester in Italy between 1714 and 1717; signed by 'Thos. Willm. Coke (1754–1842); formerly Norfolk, Holkham Hall, MS. 531.
Acquired by the Bodleian in 1981
Record Sources
Availability
To ensure its preservation, access to this item is restricted, and readers are asked to work from reproductions and published descriptions as far as possible. If you wish to apply to see the original, please click the request button above. When your request is received, you will be asked to contact the relevant curator outlining the subject of your research, the importance of this item to that research, and the resources you have already consulted.
Digital Images
Digital Bodleian (full digital facsimile)
Digital Bodleian (37 images from 35mm slides)
Bibliography
Abbreviations
View list of abbreviations and editorial conventions.
Last Substantive Revision
2024-03: Bibliography: add facsimile and commentary.