Peter of Poitiers, Compendium Historiae in Genealogia Christi, in roll form, in Latin [Italy, c.1350]

single sheet, c.710x370mm, vellum, written in double columns (c.585x140-35-140mm) written in black and red ink, with some marginal notes, drawings in red, slightly ragged at the extreme edges, one repaired tear at the top with the loss of a few words, another tear at the bottom with no loss of text, in a glazed oak frame

Zisska & Kistner, Munich, 1 May 1996, lot 1, bought by the present owner.

The genealogy of Christ is divided into Six Ages: the main central line begins with lozenges for Adam and Eve (the beginning of the First Age), descending to Noah (the Second), and then Abraham (the Third), where the branches become more complicated. To the left of Noah are two diagrams of the Ark of the Covenant, according to Bede and Augustine, respectively. To the right is a diagram of the Tower of Babel.

This roll consists of the normal text, beginning with the prologue ‘Considerans sacre historiae prolixitatem ...’ before the main text ‘Adam in agro damasceno ...’; the present single-sheet portion reaches Aaron and Moses in the left branch, and Thamar in the right (for a detailed discussion of the text and a list of manuscripts, see P.S. Moore, The Works of Peter of Poitiers, Master in Theology and Chancellor of Paris (1193-1205), 1936).

A tawed leather strip is sewn at the beginning of the roll, with which to tie-up the roll. There is, however, a small rust-stained hole piercing this strip at the very top, suggesting that the roll was nailed to a wall for display.