An Early Illustrated Manuscript of the Passion of St. Agatha (Paris, Bibl. Nat., MS lat. 5594)
Magdalena Elizabeth Carrasco
Latin MS 5594 in the Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris, a composite of several pieces varying date and place origin, includes copy passion St. Agatha accompanied by illustrations lower margins (fols. 67r-70r). These miniatures are an important addition to relatively small group manuscripts produced at threshold Romanesque style France. A tentative attribution is suggested neumes written margin folio 71v, which point Autun or general region Burgundy; addition, comparable stylistically troper de l'Arsenal (MS 1169) made for Bishop Gautier (977-1024). The appear constitute earliest surviving narrative cycle Agatha, they enlarge our knowledge nature sources hagiographic illustration. pictorial conventions similar those found some illustrated lives saints (libelli), late 10th early 11th century. cycles be based on Carolingian even Early Christian sources, suggestion that derives from earlier model supported certain iconographic peculiarities miniatures. However, comparison with accompanying text indicates although have clearly been constructed basis established formulae, new, albeit modest creation designed accommodate format this specific manuscript.
Gesta