Artwork Page for Leaf from Gratian's Decretum: Table of Consanguinity

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Leaf from Gratian's Decretum: Table of Consanguinity

c. 1270–1300

Italy, probably Naples, 13th century

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Medium
ink, tempera and gold on parchment
Measurements
Sheet: 28.9 x 21.2 cm (11 3/8 x 8 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1929.435.2
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

These leaves were excised from a copy of the handbook of canon law known simply as the Decretum written by Gratian, an Italian Camaldolese monk, in Bologna around 1130–40. The Decretum was widely copied and consulted throughout the Middle Ages. Consanguinity diagrams were used to show the degree of kinship between an individual and his or her "blood" relations. These tables followed an established tradition dating back to around 600 CE. Until church law was relaxed in 1215, a marriage could only be contracted by persons separated by seven degrees of relationship. After 1215 the degree of separation was reduced to four. Tables of Consanguinity were therefore used by church officials to regulate marriage.

Leaf from Gratian's Decretum: Table of Consanguinity

c. 1270–1300

Italy, probably Naples, 13th century

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