Reading the Popes: The Liber pontificalis and Its Editors
Carmela Vircillo Franklin
Previous articleNext article FreeReading the Popes: The Liber pontificalis and Its EditorsCarmela Vircillo FranklinCarmela Franklin Search for more articles by this author Carmela is Professor of Classics at Columbia University, New York (e-mail: [email protected])PDFPDF PLUSFull Text Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmailQR Code SectionsMoreMedieval texts are “living texts,” role philologist coax them into telling us their stories. Creating an edition not so much about establishing “original text,” which classicists desire, or “best manuscript as French Joseph Bédier (1864–1938) thought we medievalists should settle for, but understanding appreciating metamorphoses a text has undergone. We ask only what emendations were made during its scribal reception, also variations reveal contemporary political, religious, intellectual concerns. Changes thus mere corruptions—instead they yield distinct sources be read examined. Such work expands editor that interpreter, whose shares scholarly preoccupations, far cry from image drudge deciphering scripts creating stemmata. rich editorial history both in print culture illustrate point, today I will concentrate on important portion history—the seventeenth eighteenth century.The pontificalis—the papal chronicle begins with Saint Peter stops, incomplete, middle “Life Stephen V” 885, exemplary medieval search project. characteristics present all challenges long diverse reception: anonymous, yet highly authoritative, major source Church Rome liturgy, laws, customs; it deeply conservative format narrative, was constantly changed, variable updated, even revised, every new pontificate; written Rome, heart bureaucracy, appropriated different historical, geographical, political contexts give rise variety redactions have gained labels, if titles: “the Lombard redaction,” created Lucca ninth century, Frankish circulating Gaul eighth centuries; Saint-Gilles composed Provence 1130s.1As result extraordinary variability, survives than one hundred manuscripts, been undertaken faint-hearted. most recent editors priest Louis Duchesne (1843–1922), who, my mind, greatest ever Latin text; his philologically innovative (1886–92)2 can expanded improved, never replaced, words another significant, rival, pontificalis, Roman historian Theodor Mommsen, who published Monumenta Germaniae Historica 1898.3The editio princeps—the first printed edition—of brought out Mainz 1602, printer Johannes Albinus. editor, though Jesuit Iohannes Busaeus Nijmegen (Jean Buys; 1547–1611).4 It good any point view. First, based late sixteenth-century copy eleventh-century Vatican Vaticanus latinus 3764, provided Alessandro Ranaldi, then vice prefect Library.5 Busaeus, occasion, adds variant readings margin edition. He does take these other however, books had cited text, example nonlinear relationship between manuscripts century. Secondly, exceptionally polemical edition, produced part Catholic arsenal against Protestant privilege. Finally, canonized incorrect ascription authorship Anastasius Bibliothecarius (810–878), librarian archivist under Popes Nicholas Hadrian II.6In early two competing editions printed, Rome.7 One Giovanni Vignoli (1667–1733), (1712–30) Library. Dedicated Benedict XIII, three volumes came 1724. appeared after Vignoli’s death 1733.8 Despite philological claims, no progress over 1602.9 Both Busaeus’s follow practice texts. manuscript, selected because legibility script rather quality chosen work, following printers’ preference easy set. ultimately beautifully clear version Carolingian minuscule, standardized Latinity. lasting achievement gave modern name removed author, relying arguments content style.10 would scientific methods eighteenth-century Francesco Bianchini, wholly refute error. And now turn.In contrast Bianchini monument antiquarian scholarship age science, borrow Anthony Grafton’s characterization period 1450 1800.11 Bianchini’s method situated within trends identified among mid-seventeenth century scholars antiquity, also, although less acknowledged, antiquarians studied Middle Ages nonclassical civilizations, like Etruscans, Egyptians, those Asia Africa. Having rediscovered importance criticism, saw physical remains antiquity “genuine witnesses,” stressed empirical, observational scholarship. Their approach paralleled methodology used natural philosophy mathematics. Many scientists. Isaac Newton (1623–1747), famously, applied problems biblical chronology scriptural interpretation methodological rules analogous he employed Principia mathematica. multitalented mathematician scientist.12 Like better-known projects Bollandists, Maurists, Rerum Italicarum scriptores Ludovico Muratori, applies direct observation historian’s appreciation material evidence pontificalis. And, well-known works, appreciated burgeoning critical study world century.13Francesco pontificalisBorn Verona 1662, Bianchini14 educated collegium Bologna,15 where learned Galilean 1680 University Padova, mathematics astronomy.16 His education instruction drawing, acquired great skill, useful studies documentation archaeological historical data, shall see.17 son modest family, moved advancement. joined household Cardinal Pietro Ottoboni, later Pope Alexander VIII, library prepared still catalog manuscripts.18 aiming position Library, when Albani became pope Clement XI 1700 offered him post prefect, preferred exalted cameriere d’onore pope.19In maintained interests begun pursue native Verona. member Accademia Fisico-matematica, association founded Giustino Ciampini (d. 1698), Rome’s leading philosophers, which, despite condemnation Galileo 1633, managed conduct experiments observe stars.20 When Gottfried Wilhelm Leibnitz (1646–1716) 1689 lobby Holy Office lift prohibition heliocentrism embrace moderate elements “new science,” welcomed met palazzo Queen Christina Sweden, patron arts science collector manuscripts.21 named secretary reform calendar, Lutheran corresponded calendric astronomical measurements until Leibnitz’s 1716.22 These same circles introduced Newton’s Opticks translation 1707–8 attempted replications optical Quirinal, patronage Albani, Clement’s nephew. highlights trip France England 1713 envoy23 visit Greenwich Observatory conversations London January February year.24Bianchini libraries book learning small active seventeenth- centered academies, elusive goal bring harmony teaching experimental science.25 known astronomer—the comet 1685, observed, him; and, archaeologist, make discoveries Palatine.26 inventor engineer. Under Clement, devised transportation newly excavated Antonine Column Piazza Montecitorio. 1702, built meridian Santa Maria degli Angeli, former baths Caracalla, best complex up served ambitious model ones. royal societies Paris. 27 As scholar, similar studies, increased inquiry literary buttressed observation.28 In addition, strong emphasis rectifying chronological inconsistencies led draw information, such eclipses related phenomena.Always scientist, attracted attention decades precisely combination mathematical ones producing L’istoria universale provata con monumenti e figurata simboli antichi (Rome: Antonio De’ Rossi, 1697).29 title speaks employs work: universal “proved monuments” distant illustrated symbolic images—generally pastiches designed serve memory aids large themes work; recurrence patterns, example, interconnections cultures. forty-two images L’istoria, chapter drawn himself,30 equal footing text. They not, own words, “frivolous ornament” instrument analysis. project, credited opening “a original route past—that comparative iconography.”31Bianchini’s contrary universale, received absolutely Enlightenment, perhaps Latin, unexciting subject matter. receives mention Bianchini.32 Yet, how methodologies sciences stress empiricism adapted commentaries. pontificalis—and text—who clearly developed charters Maurist Jean Mabillon. This novel application, neither nor scholars, medievalists, available abundant documents sources. becomes crucial estimation. interested readability, correctness language, completeness, editions. here fully exploits technology printing add instruments independent analysis meaning, just adornment text.The election opportunity church could, history, “provata” “illustrata” through witness evidence.33 Albani—who remembered anti-Jansenist bull Unigenitus, reasserting primacy—wanted “document” Christian standards.34 restored San Clemente’s upper church, Constantinian basilica; supported generously excavations classical sites began program aimed preservation antiquities, included plans museum.35 During pontificate, Library enlarged obtained Ottoman Empire, primarily patristic works Syriac Coptic affirmed pontifical supremacy affairs upheld pretensions rite. Historical could play validating claims primacy secular religious bolster temporal power pope, states diminished alienation Duchies Parma Piacenza territory Comacchio end Wars Spanish Succession 1713. dedicated pontiff financed research lavish printing, seen larger agenda.36The project planned five “in folio” lifetime, coming 1718, 1723, 1728; fourth nephew Giuseppe 1735. fifth executed.37It enormous contributions Mommsen.38 includes proper, numerous some time.39 commentary consists notes several prefaces appendices treat particularly thorny problems, succession popes.40 thoroughness marks significance held intended audience, especially authoritative documenting apostolic bishops Christ Peter.In hands, interpreted supporting power.41 At time, “scientific” use evidence, data derived (Fig. 1), countering sources, expressed opinions, mistakes, willful deceit untrustworthy. contribution pontificalis’s new, practices demonstration making evidence—inscriptions, epitaphs, archeological monumental objects, reproducing many evidence. pontificalis; evaluates text’s phenomena observed machines instruments, results computations resulting diagrams, illustrating discussion regression vernal equinox explaining dating ancient affect papacy Sylvester (314–35).42Fig. 1. locales. 2:287. C 4237.18 F. Widener Special Collections, Harvard University.View Large ImageDownload PowerPointAt times, iconographic meaning develop narrative link present. For reference report Urban (230) required altar vessels silver,43 engraving silver 2) collection Albani.44 function “symbolic” universale. constructed means analyze explicate Urban’s concern interpreting figures represented low relief “amulae duae argenteae”—the Eucharistic engraved book. changing water wine marriage Cana portrayed flask “indicates, according John Chrysostom Cyril, priests law change blood,”45 not-so-subtle definition sacrifice, truth discusses length commentary. opines dove second amula might indicate receptacle Chrism. Thus ties Spirit Dove Chrism gifts given sacrament ordination. too apostles depicted urn, representing Lord successors conveying faithful, sheep amulae. sacraments symbolically explains insistence objects convey fabricated precious silver.46 Making final why our days” glass cruets used, there abundance vessels: easier see contains acolyte confuse ought hand celebrant—a banal links amulae church. exegesis own, life development church’s rituals. flasks interest emblems symbols widely attempts iconography.47Fig. 2. Silver vessels. 2: facing p. 179. PowerPointA spectacular evocative afforded illustration corpse Leo Great (440–61), reproduced cover issue Speculum. himself body April 1714 tomb Peter’s Basilica. buried Peter, portico. body’s translation, Sergius (687–701), chronicled pontificalis.48 commentary, charts movements Leo’s present.49 inscription recorded seventh copied manuscript. A safeguard relics building basilica, carried 1607 Paul V, placed temporarily di Colonna sculptor Algardi (1598–1654) complete tomb.50 third magnificent took place eleventh 1714, nearly half Algardi’s finished. testifies cult popes relics, response questioning authenticity relics. care documented involvement debate relics.51Bianchini detailed eyewitness account pope’s “Life.” Present April, close actual “make drawing bones remaining vestments covered.”52 returns comparison 11 descended venerate lay waiting Chapel Nicholas. accuracy further confirmed Michelangelo De Paulis, chief physician, called name, state conservation, location each single bone, shifted translations. I,” brief caption, body. description conservation. shows, threadbare, envelop striking colored folds. analyzes detail, using technical names, considering historically, linking current use. notes, head covered “veil” “cucullum,” belief covering mitre originates;53 priestly chasuble, phano, pallium; voluminous red garment, almost transparent age, reaching down feet, arranged folds, “as custom bishops’ cappa today”; remarks arms must adorned still-visible gold filaments. All details, carefully observation, stood body.54What depiction event accurate (his materiality vestments) record historically authentic. Indeed, faults previous Leo—that 1607—for including generic picture executed observation. Not verbal translations centuries value authenticating resting marble altarpiece, twelve death, itself does, drew, engraved, faithful representation saw. forensic finding.The relation sees object apparent manuscripts. philologist.55 wait nineteenth But trustworthy experience Ottoboni storied collections Italy keenly aware contents, valuable witnesses.* * *In 1685–86, Mabillon (1632–1707), towering figure seventeenth-century Europe, undertook Iter Italicum books, king XIV.56 Mabillon’s longest visits Rome.57 There heard talk attended meeting Fisico-matematica.58 Through encounter, well versed approach. re diplomatica 1681, taxonomy scripts, broader effort toward assessing charters. argued document evaluated simply contents language—grammar, style, allusions events—but characteristics: script, ink, seal, parchment. features empirical necessitated forms styles dated documents. organized database chronologically, oldest capital fifteenth fifteen plates scripts. focus charters, devoted fifty-three tables. proof datable object, translated documentary codex, very scholar do so.59Bianchini’s “autograph evidence” (by evidence) veracity above handling Farnesianus. Now lost us, codex uncial capitals eighth-ninth know manufactured four pages pontificalis.60 Uncial period, generally restricted display script.61 Italy, attested few surviving manuscripts.62 disappearance Farnesianus, therefore, grievous loss. Had survived, Farnesianus pontificalis.The discovered Farnese palace Lucas Holste (1596–1661), German humanist convert century.63 already fragment, missing entire last sections, folios middle. noted described square majuscule letters, older nothing written, kind.”64 term “uncial” differentiate looked sighting, unable find Rome. Surmising transported Parma, castle nearby Colorno, ducal moved, engaged retainer duke, Marchese Maurizio de Sanctis, indeed found hidden corner, informs letter 15 September 1719. discovery emphasizes recovery humanistic topos: “The desired, vain sought many, found, preserved republic letters.”65As soon go view commissioned Sanctis facsimile pages, process docume
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