University of Vermont. Library. MS 2. [Italian herbal]

Title: University of Vermont. Library. MS 2. [Italian herbal]
Alternative title: Italian herbal
Colixoge chavolo idem est, questa e una pianta asai conosciuta
Date Created: [between 1475 and 1525?]
Date: 1475/1525
Place of Origin: Italy
Language: Italian
Collection: History and Special Collections for the Sciences Collection
Index of Medieval Medical Images

Summary: Completed between 1475 and 1525 in Italy, possibly in Tuscany, Vermont MS 2 provides an unusual example of a late illustrated manuscript herbal. Dramatic angel and demon figures indicate benevolent and destructive properties in the plants depicted and sometimes appear to comment on the diseases being treated. Scenes include the administration of an enema, and portrayals of sufferers from skin lesions, inflammations, and gynecological problems. Manuscript is owned by the University of Vermont Library.
Description: Script: Written in two scripts. Primary script is a small but bold, vertical Cursiva with un-looped ascenders. Secondary script is a lighter, sloping cursive with looped ascenders. There are added drawings and notes on many leaves, including several versos.
Binding: Not bound. Manuscript was disbound from its late 18th c. binding in 1992. Individual leaves were dry cleaned and encapsulated in polyester film at that time.
Physical description: Layout: Unruled. Most versos are blank. Decoration: Illustrations are found on each folio, and are of medicinal herbs, of the medical conditions they treat, and of their application and effects. They often employ symbolism. Colors include dark green, blue-green, dark brown, dark red, dark blue, flesh-colored, golden brown, and orange-red. Pictures decorate the lower margins of fols. 17, 19, 50, 58, and 59.