Study and Conservation: Codicology and Minimal Conservation Treatment of a 10th-Century Sacramentary

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Sacramentary from the Verdun Cathedral Treasury (Munich, Bavarian State Library, Clm 10077), also known as Fuldaer Sacramentary, was written and illuminated in the late 10th century and has one of the rare treasure bindings which have come down to us. Due to damage in the spine area, a significant handling problem made digitization and exhibition impossible. The first part of the article gives an insight into the history of the binding. The careful examination showed the many details essential for its historical classification. Based on this analysis, an attempt was made to distinguish between the parts of the Ottonian period, the alteration in the 14th century and the repair treatment in the eighteenth century. To avoid alterations and ambiguities concerning future scientific questions, it was imperative to preserve the original integrity of the binding as far as possible. The second part of the article presents the adequate conservation concept.