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A damaged example of Gregory’s Moralia in Iob (books I-XVI and abrupt interruption of book XVII at f. 200vb), the manuscript reflects the typical facies of a ‘libro da banco’ often produced for use in monasteries […]. Despite the diligence required, the ‘physical” structure shows little care and attention. […]. The impressive combination of initials, spread out within the squared-off frame and decorated using what is known as the ‘geometric’ style, is of particular note. On careful examination, in spite of the use of unusual colours, it responds to the characteristics of a moment of transition; however, the motifs now show details that rather connote ‘late’ geometric style, leading to speculation that the item was produced more toward the second quarter of the 12th century. That the manuscript was used is beyond doubt. The margins are strewn with maniculae, monograms in the Nota, and signs highlighting scriptural quotations. There are notabilia, a little later, enclosed inside fine triangles with the tops pointing down and decorations on specific sections of the text. […]
DONATELLA FRIOLI
Reproduced here: f. 28v with decorated initial B.
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).