What are the physical dimensions and page structure of the Vergilius Romanus?
The Vergilius Romanus measures 332 by 323 millimeters and contains 309 vellum folios written in rustic capitals. Each page holds exactly 18 lines of text.
Questions about Vergilius Romanus
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When was the Vergilius Romanus created and what texts does it preserve from that period?
This codex preserves the Aeneid, the Georgics, and some Eclogues from the fifth century. It stands as one of the oldest surviving illustrated classical manuscripts.
How do the artistic styles differ between the first and second artists who worked on the Vergilius Romanus?
The first artist shows remnants of classical style with garments draped naturally while heads appear in three quarter view. The second artist demonstrates a radical break from these traditions where faces shift to frontal or full profile positions without any ground line.
Where were the author portraits located within the Vergilius Romanus and how did they arrange Vergil's furniture?
Three author portraits survive within Folios 3v, 9r, and 14 r where Vergil sits on a chair between a lectern and a locked chest. The portrait on folio 3v places the lectern on Vergil's right side with the chest on his left while the other two portraits reverse this arrangement completely.
Why might scholars believe the Vergilius Romanus originated in Britain during the fifth century?
Martin Henig suggests production occurred in Britain based on illumination styles found within the codex. If true, this would make it the oldest surviving British codex.