Theophilus Presbyter

Theophilus Presbyter (pseudonym, possibly of Rogerus of Helmarshausen; 12th century ) was a Benedictine monk and author of a Latin script, are presented in detail in the various arts and crafts techniques of the Middle Ages.

Work

The petition put together by him is called " Schedula diversarum artium " (also called " De diversis artibus " ) and is likely to have originated 1100-1120. The oldest surviving manuscript copies are located in Vienna ( Austrian National Library, Cod 2527 ) and in Wolfenbüttel (Herzog August Bibliothek, Cod Guelf. Gud. Lat. 2 69 °). Gotthold Ephraim Lessing discovered the new font as librarian in Wolfenbüttel. A first German edition of parts of the work appeared in 1874. Contemporary translations of the Schedula exist among others in English, French, Polish, Italian and Hungarian ( 19th or 20th century).

The Schedula of Theophilus provides a detailed look at the techniques of high medieval arts and crafts. In a total of three parts comprehensively prohibits the manufacture and application of painting and drawing medium ( painting techniques, paints and inks ), especially for the book and mural painting, described the production of colored glass and the art of stained glass and explains the various techniques of goldsmithing. Also, the instructions for building organs and bells is not missing. After these instructions cast bells are called Theophilusglocken.

Identity

It has long been assumed that Theophilus is identical to the priest - monk Rogerus of Helmarshausen. Recent research dispute this

The Life of Roger can understand relatively well with the help of Necrologies: it probably originated in the Meuse monastery of Stavelot. He was 1100-1107 in St. Pantaleon in Cologne and after 1107 in Helmarshausen monastery. His life data are only approximately known (* 1070, † after 1125 Helmarshausen ). Whether he then as a priest - monk only Head of the existing goldsmith's workshop was or even worked as a goldsmith himself, is not currently determine.

Works

  • " De diversis artibus " or " Schedula diversarum artium " (in 3 books, 1125 ) online ( archive.org )

Literature, translations of Schedula

  • GE Lessing: From the age of Ölmalerey from Theophilus Presbyter. Berlin 1774
  • A. Ilg (Hg): Theophilus Presbyter. Schedula diversarum artium. in: documentary sources for art history. Vol VII Vienna 1874
  • W. Theobald: art of crafts in the 10th century, Des T. Schedula Diversarum Artium, in selecting new hg, translated and explained.. Berlin 1933 ( Later editions in 1953 and 1981)
  • E. Freise: Roger v. Helmarshausen in his monastic environment, in: Early Medieval Studies 15, 1981
  • Erhard Brepohl: Theophilus Presbyter and the medieval crafts. Cologne 1999 ( 2 volumes)
  • Christoph Stiegmann and Hiltrud Westermann Angerhausen (ed.): Treasures of Art at the rising of the Romanesque. The Paderborn Cathedral - portable altar and its radius, Munich 2006
Order of Saint Benedict Handicraft Miniature (illuminated manuscript) Helmarshausen Abbey Integrated Authority File
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