Administrative Records from the Chapter of the Cathédrale Saint-Trophime; in Latin, manuscript on paper

ADMINISTRATIVE DOCUMENTS PROVIDING INSIGHTS INTO THE DAILY OPERATIONS OF A CATHEDRAL COMMUNITY IN LATE FIFTEENTH AND EARLY SIXTEENTH CENTURY FRANCE. In Latin, manuscript on paper, France (Arles), late 15th-early 16th century (1476-1503). Dimensions c. 310-315 × 225-230 mm (but ff. 139-248: c. 300 × 215 mm.), 252 folios on paper, a dozen watermarks, missing eleven leaves, written in multiple hands including a Gothic semi-hybrida and several very current Gothic cursiva hands, some with Secretary features, in 48-50 long lines. BINDING: early stiff vellum binding, detached at left board to reveal three bands, with two undyed ties of woven linen ribbon threaded (truncated) through each board. TEXT: this codex holds records of 'Arrentements,' a form of lease, of the Chapter of the Cathédrale Saint-Trophime d'Arles covering c.1476-c.1503. Providing insights into the daily operations of a cathedral community in late fifteenth and early sixteenth century France, this treasure trove of administrative documents will be of interest to ecclesiastical and administrative historians as well as researchers focusing on early modern Arles, and southern France more broadly. We believe that these documents are unpublished. PROVENANCE: assembled over time in Arles, France, in the late 15th- through early 16th-century based on watermarks plus paleographical and textual evidence and texts dating from 1476-1503; added maniculae and annotations throughout in French and Latin,16th- through 20th-century hands; owners' and dealers' notes on pastedowns; private European Collection. CONDITION: first leaf detached, occasional water staining and ink blurring with some loss of text. Complete description and images available (TM 1239). (Inventory #: TM 1239)