An Example of Italo-Greek Style: Harley 5535 (London, the British Library Harley Collection)

Abstract

This study examines, the MS with the inventory number "Harley 5535" decorated in Italo-Greek style, codicologically, palaeographically and stylistically. The MS is at Harley Collection of the British Library. According to the colophon, the MS was written by Andreas of Brindisi and was completed in May 1284 (fol. 221v, 260v). Harley 5535 contains 278 parchment folios, with the dimensions of 11.2 x 7.5 cm and is a diminutive example. The text was written in Greek miniscule and majuscule was scribed in Terra d'Otranto style. The volume includes additional Psalms(ff. 1-202v: Psalms 1-150, ff. 203-203v: Psalm 151), the Odes (ff. 203v-221 and Ode 7 adds Daniel 3:46-51 on ff. 217v-218)and the Prayers (ff. 222-277v, imperfect from the beginning to the end). Besides, the MS was decorated with two ornamental headpieces, nineteen initials and a full-page miniature. Lastly, the full-page miniature of "Nathan before king David" (2 Samuel 12: 1-19) was added on a separate leaf and dated back to second half of the twelfth century.