Portolan charts ('The Douce Atlas'); Venice, early 15th century
MS. Douce 390
Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Description
From Medieval manuscripts in Oxford libraries
This is an extract only. For more information, see the catalogue record in Medieval manuscripts in Oxford libraries.
Medieval manuscripts in Oxford libraries contains descriptions of all known Western medieval manuscripts held in the Bodleian Libraries, and of medieval manuscripts in selected Oxford colleges. Learn more.
Title
Portolan charts ('The Douce Atlas'); Venice, early 15th century
Shelfmark
MS. Douce 390
Place of origin
Italian, Venice
Date
15th century, beginning
Language
Italian
Contents
Form
codex
Support
Parchment sheets pasted onto boards and into wooden covers
Physical extent
10 leaves (9 sheets)
Hands
Gothic hybrida
Decoration
The collection opens and closes with full-sheet miniatures (Pächt and Alexander ii. 448, pl. XLIV). Attributed to the Maestro della Parousia
Charts with coasts shaded in green.
Each chart has a geometric border.
Rumb lines and more important locations in red.
Binding
Wooden boards, slightly thicker than those to which the vellum leaves of the manuscript are glued. 292 145 36
The atlas was kept within a wooden carrying case (MS. Douce 390*) covered with leather. This was formerly furnished with straps to fold the lid on and allow the case to be slung from the shoulder. The box is made of thin wood, lined inside with parchment stained pink. 299 183 52
Acquisition
Bequeathed to the Bodleian with Douce's other books, manuscripts, prints, and drawings on his death in 1834.
Provenance
Francis Douce, 1757–1834; his notes giving identifications and comparisons to other cartographic sources enclosed (MS. Douce 390**).
View full record in Medieval manuscripts in Oxford libraries
From Bodleian Archives & Manuscripts
This is an extract only. For more information, see the catalogue record in Bodleian Archives & Manuscripts.
Bodleian Archives & Manuscripts contains descriptions of the Bodleian Libraries’ archival collections, including post-1500 manuscripts. Some manuscripts with records in other catalogues are also described here as part of a description of a larger archive. Learn more.
Title
A Portolano containing seven maps of countries bordering on the Mediterranean and one of the west coast of Europe
Shelfmark
MS. Douce 390
Summary
Each is a double leaf pasted on boards: on fols. 1v-2, 9v-10, are large miniatures of Gabriel, St. Mary the Virgin, St. Mark, and St. Paul. Of the ten boards, the outer sides of the first and last are inlaid with ivory and coloured woods. The strong leather case is elaborately hand-stamped with floral decoration, and on the sides of the upper part, which is detachable, are 'per bon amor' and 'per bone respecto': there are also fittings for straps: the date may be 15th cent. The cloth case bears the mark 'MS. Douce 390*.'. There is also a cloth case (12 1/8 × 6 3/4 in.), when it is not in its own leather case or on exhibition.
Date
written in the first half of the 15th cent. (at Venice ?)
Language
Italian
Physical facet
On parchment, with four miniatures
Physical extent
10 Leaves
View full record in Bodleian Archives & Manuscripts
Collection contents
A Portolano containing seven maps of countries bordering on the Mediterranean and one of the west coast of Europe
