St. Jerome’s Prologue on Hosea - Hermann Composite, Fol, 3r

St. Jerome’s Prologue on Hosea - Hermann Composite, Fol, 3r

The Hermann Composite begins with St. Jerome’s prologue on the Hosea. It contains a sizeable illuminated capital depicting abbot Hermann holding a book and crosier, his head partially surrounded by a nimbus and standing in an archway. Hermann is identified by the inscription on the threshold under his feet. On his right is the crowned martyred Saint Dorthea of Caesarea, who is also identified by an inscription, holding a basket of flowers, her attribute, looking at Hermann while gesturing her figure to the heavens. (Meier 1909) On Hermann’s left is an unknown male figure, possibly Saint Jerome, in a typical philosopher-pose. The explicit informs the reader that Haymo’s Super Duodecim Prophetas.

Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

Mid 14th Century

Latin

Schonborn 4

St Peter Abbey, Kastl, Bavaria