[Manuscript with spiritual and devotional texts and sermons for the infirmary of the Saint Agnes monastery, Arnhem] (Hs 303)
According to the colophon, the manuscript was written by sister Alberta van Middachten. According to Zeeman (2018), she lived in the Saint Agnes convent from at least 1541 to 1570. She is also recognizable by the typical decoration around the larger initials.
Hs 303 was made for the infirmary of the Saint Agnes convent in Arnhem. The book, according to the colophon, was not allowed to leave the infirmary without permission either, so the audience will have consisted largely of sisters in the infirmary. The purpose of the manuscript is to enhance the spiritual life of the sisters in the infirmary, through devotional texts, but also, for example, by the text on ff. 47v-49r, which would make it possible to earn indulgences without travelling. The manuscript plays a key role in the discovery of Arnhem mysticism and provides a unique view in the infirmary of the Saint Agnes monastery.
Saint Agnes monastery, Arnhem; Redemptorists CSsR, Wittem (-1975). Purchase by Radboud University from Redemptorists CSsR, Wittem in 1975.
Notes by an antiquarian bookseller on the first free endpaper.
Library label of Wittem on the verso of the first free endpaper with the shelfmark (Hs. 3) written in pencil.
The manuscript is likely made between 1541-1570, as Alberta van Middachten, who copied the manuscript, was living in the Saint Agnes convent in Arnhem in these years. Huisman (1997) dates the manuscript in the second part of the 15th century, but Zeeman (2018) adjusts that date to ca. 1541-1570.
pen-flourished initials, penwork, cadel letters (small).
Strike-throughs with red ink, marginal additions (contemporary and later) and from f. 238 also some parts underlined and marked with pencil.
Universiteitsbibliotheek Radboud Universiteit
Item in site: Topstukken Radboud University Library