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The manuscript is decorated with two initials made up of foliate branches clearly of Ottonian derivation (ff. 3v, 76r), which liken it to manuscripts produced in Rome in the second half of the 11th century, [...]. A pen drawing on f. 2v shows Gregory the Great intent on writing before a scribe. His inspiration though is not the traditional dove representing the Holy Spirit, but rather an angel who dictates the words in his ear in the manner of a classical muse. […].
FABRIZIO CRIVELLO
Reproduced here: f. 3r with decorated initial P.
The complete record can be found in the exhibit catalogue Gregorio Magno e l'invenzione del Medioevo, ed. Luigi G. G. Ricci, Florence, SISMEL - Edizioni del Galluzzo 2006 (Archivum Gregorianum, 9).