Liber Sextus Decretalium (The Sixth Books of Decretals)

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Liber Sextus Decretalium (The Sixth Books of Decretals)

Printer Peter Schoeffer (German, active 1449-1502)

Place of OriginGermany (Mainz)

Date1473

DimensionsCa. 16 1/8 x 11 3/4 in. (41 x 29.8 cm)

MediumBook, 162 leaves printed on vellum

ClassificationBooks

Credit LineMrs. George W. Stevens Fund

Object number

1987.172

Not on View

DescriptionPrinted summary headings and colophon with printer's device in red; initial letters (rubrication) in contemporary pen and red or blue inks.

Label TextThis book represents a monumental feat of early printing by Peter Schöffer, who was , after Johann Gutenberg, the most important figure in German printing history. THE SIXTH BOOK OF DECRETALS by Pope Boniface VIII (1294-1303) was, for centuries, one of the chief texts of canon law. In 1465 Schoffer was the first to print this text in book form. He devised the elegant page design with the main text set in two columns of type surrounded by columns of commentary. Schoffer's book became so in demand that by 1473, he had to print a third edition. This particular copy of that edition is printed on vellum, which, as it is more expensive than paper, was reserved only for deluxe printings of important texts. This acquisition is the earliest complete printed book in the Museum's collection. It was once in two distinguished English collections, the Harleian and Chatsworth Libraries. The first was founded by Robert Harley (1661-1724), one of the first great collectors of early printed books. His son, the second Earl of Oxford continued the library until his death in 1741. Major portions of this library went to the Chatsworth Library, formed by William George Spencer, sixth Duke of Devonshire (1790-1858). This book remained at Chatsworth until 1974.Exhibition HistoryToledo Museum of Art, Looks Good on Paper: Masterworks and Favorites, Oct. 10, 2014-Jan. 11, 2015.