THE CŒNACULUM OF LIONARDO DA VINCI
I have in my possession a manuscript critique on the celebrated picture of The Last Supper by Lionardo da Vinci, written many years ago by a deceased academician; in which the writer has called in question the point of time usually supposed to have been selected by the celebrated Italian painter. The criticisms are chiefly founded on the copy by Marco Oggioni, now in the possession of the Royal Academy of Arts.
Uniform tradition has assumed that the moment of action is that in which the Saviour announces the treachery of one of his disciples "Dico vobis quia unus vestrum me traditurus est." Matth. xxvi. 21., Joan. xiii. 21., Vulgate edit.; and most of the admirers of this great work have not failed to find in it decisive proofs of the intention of the painter to represent that exact point of time.
The author of the manuscript enters into a very detailed examination of the several groups of figures which compose the picture, and of the expression of the heads; and he confesses his inability to find in them anything decisively indicating the period supposed to be chosen. He remarks that nine at least of the persons, including the principal one, are evidently engaged in animated conversation; that instead of that concentrated attention which the announcement might be supposed to generate, there appears to be great variety of expressions and of action; and that neither surprise nor indignation are so generally prominent, as might have been expected. He inclines to think that the studied diversity of expression, and the varied attitudes and gestures of the assembled party, are to be regarded as proofs of the artist's efforts to produce a powerful and harmonious composition, rather than a natural and truthful representation of any particular moment of the transaction depicted by him.
The work in question is now so generally accessible through the medium of accurate engravings, that any one may easily exercise his own judgment on the matter, and decide for himself whether the criticism be well founded.
It must be borne in mind that the subject had long been a familiar decoration of conventual refectories before the time when Lionardo brought his profound knowledge of external human nature, and his unsurpassed powers of executive art, to bear on a subject which had before been treated in the dry, conventional, inanimate manner of the Middle Ages. The leading features of the traditional picture are retained: the long table, the linen cloth, the one-sided arrangement of the figures, the classic drapery, and the general form and design of the apartment, are all to be found in the earlier works; and must have been considered, by observers in general, far more essential to the correct delineation of the scene than any adherence to the exact description of it in any one of the Evangelists. But as the subject was usually introduced into refectories for the edification of the brethren assembled with their superior at their own meals, it does not seem likely that the treachery of Judas should have been intended to be the prominent action of the picture. It was a memorial of the institution of the Eucharist, although the Christ was not represented as dispensing either bread or wine. In such a case, if any particular point of time was ever contemplated by the artist, he might judiciously and appropriately select the moment when the Saviour was announcing, in mysterious words, the close of his mission—as in St. Matthew and St. Mark; or was teaching them a lesson of humility when the spirit of rivalry and strife had disclosed itself among them—as we find in St. Luke and St. John.
It is not perhaps generally known that the statutes of Queen's College, Oxford, prescribe the order of sitting at the common table in manner which evidently refers to the cœnaculum of the old church painters.
E. Smirke.
Minor Notes
Scotter Register (County Lincoln).—The following extracts from the register of the parish of Scotter, in the county of Lincoln, are perhaps sufficiently interesting to be worth printing in "N. & Q.":
1. "Eccelesia parochialis de Scotter comitatu Lincolniæ dedicata est Beatis Apostolis Sancto Petro et Sancto Paulo ut apparet in Antiquo Scripto viduæ Loddington de Scotter, viz. in testamento vltimo Thomæ Dalyson, Gen. de Scotter, qui obiit Junii 19o, anno Domini 1495.
"Gul. Carrington,
"Rector eclīa ibid."
2. "Memorandum, That on Septuagesima Sunday, being the 19th day of January, 1667, one Francis Drury, an excommunicate person, came into the church in time of divine service in ye morning, and being admonisht by mee to begon, hee obstinately refused, whereuppon ye whole congregation departed; and after the same manner in the afternoon, the same day, he came again, and refusing againe to go out, the whole congregation againe went home, soe yt little or no service pformed. They prevented his further coming in yt manner, as hee threatned, by order from the Justice, uppon the statute of Queene Elizabeth concerning the molestation and disturbance of publiq preachers.
Wm. Carrington, Rec."
"O tempora, O mores."
3. "Michæl Skinner Senex centum et trium annorum sepultus fuit die sancti Johannis, viz. Dec. 27, 1673."
Edward Peacock, Jun.
Bottesford Moors, Kirton Lindsey.
"All my Eye."—"Over the Left."
"What benefit a Popish successor can reap from lives and fortunes spent in defence of the Protestant religion, he may put in his eye: and what the Protestant religion gets by lives and fortunes spent in the service of a Popish successor, will be over the left shoulder."—Preface to Julian the Apostate: London, printed for Langley Curtis, on Ludgate Hill. 1682.
Is this passage the origin of the above cant phrases?
George Daniel.
Canonbury.
Curious Marriages.—In Harl. MSS. 1550, p. 180., is the pedigree of Irby, where Anthony Irby has two daughters: Margaret, who married Henry Death, and Dorothy, who married John Domesday.
E. G. Ballard.
Child-mother.—Four months ago, on board the Brazil packet, the royal mail steam-vessel Severn, there was an instance of a "child-wife," which might be worthy of a place among your curiosities of that description.
She was the wedded wife of a Brazilian travelling from the Brazils to Lisbon, and her husband applied for permission to pay the "reduced passage money" for her as being "under twelve years of age!"
As the regulation on that head speaks of "children under twelve years of age," this conscientious Brazilian's demand could not be countenanced.
His wife's age was under eleven years and a half, and (credat Judæus) she was a mother!
A. L.
Queries
FURTHER QUERIES RESPECTING BISHOP KEN
(Continued from Vol. vii., p. 380.)
In a Collection of Poems, in six volumes, by several Hands (Dodsley, 5th edition, 1758), and in vol. iii. p. 75., is found "An Epistle from Florence to T. A., Esq., Tutor to the Earl of P–. Written in the year 1740. By the Honourable –." Can any one explain an allusion contained in these three lines of the epistle?
"Or with wise Ken judiciously define,
When Pius marks the honorary coin
Of Caracalla, or of Antonine."
It is hardly to be supposed that the Ken here named could mean the bishop, who died so far back as 1711. Was there a coin-collector of that name living about 1740?
We learn (from Ken's Prose Works, ed. Round, pp. 93, 94.) that the Bishop's sister, "my poor sister Ken," most probably then a widow, lost her only son, who died at Cyprus, in 1707. Was this Mrs. Ken the Rose Vernon, sister of Sir Thomas Vernon, of Coleman Street, London, and the wife of Jon Ken, the bishop's eldest brother, and treasurer of the East India Company? This Jon and Rose Ken are represented, in Mr. Markland's Pedigree of the Ken family, as still living in 1683. Is there no monumental memorial of this Treasurer Ken, or his family, in any of the London churches?
In Mr. Macaulay's History of England, 5th ed., vol. ii. p. 365., he states that "it was well known that one of the most opulent dissenters of the City had begged that he might have the honour of giving security for Ken," when the seven bishops were bailed, previous to their trial. On what authority (for none is cited) does this statement rest?
Can any one give a clue to this passage from a letter written to Mr. Harbin, Lord Weymouth's chaplain, by Bishop Ken, and dated "Winton, Jan 22." [1701]:
"I came to Winchester yesterday, where I stay one post more, and then go either to Sir R. U. or L. Newton, where you shall hear from me."—Ken's Prose Works, by Round, p. 53.
Can "Sir R. U." (the U perhaps being a mistake for W.) designate Sir Robert Worsley, Bart., of Chilton, in the county of Southampton, married to Lord Weymouth's daughter? and can "L. Newton" be a mistake for Long Sutton, in Hants? or may it be Long Newton, in the hundred of Malmesbury?
J. J. J.
Temple.
THE REV. JOHN LAWSON AND HIS MATHEMATICAL MANUSCRIPTS
In the year 1774 the Rev. John Lawson, B.D., Rector of Swanscombe in Kent, published A Dissertation on the Geometrical Analysis of the Antients, with a Collection of Theorems and Problems without solutions for the Exercise of young Students. This work was printed anonymously at Canterbury, but the merits of the essay did not permit the author to remain long in obscurity; the real writer was immediately known to most of the geometers of the day, and the elegant character of many of the theorems and problems, led to a general desire that their solutions should be published in a separate work. In accordance with this intention, it was announced on a fly-sheet attached to some copies of the work, that—
"The author of this publication being a man of leisure, and living in a retired situation, remote from any opportunity of conversation with mathematicians, would be extremely glad of a correspondence with any such, who are willing to be at the expense of the same; or if this be thought too much, will pay the postage of his answers to their letters. But no letters, except post-paid, can be received by him; otherwise a door would be opened for frolic, imposition, and impertinence. Any new geometrical propositions, either theorems or problems, would be received with gratitude, and if sent without solutions, he would use his best endeavours to return such as might be satisfactory. Any new solutions of propositions already in print, especially of those included in the present collection, would also be very agreeable. If a variety of such demonstrations essentially different from those of the original authors should be communicated, he proposes at some future time to publish them all, with a fresh collection for further exercise; and then each author's name shall be affixt to his own solution, or any other signature which he shall please to direct. Any person who shall favor the publisher with his correspondence shall have speedily conveyed to him the solutions of any propositions contained in this collection, which he may be desirous of seeing. Letters (post-paid) directed for P. Q., to be left at Mr. Nourse's, Bookseller, in the Strand, London, will be carefully transmitted on the first day of each month, and all correspondents may expect answers during the course of that month."
In consequence of this appeal, Mr. Lawson was speedily in correspondence with several of the most able geometers then living, and amongst the rest, Messrs. Ainsworth, Clarke, Merrit, Power, &c., appear to have furnished him with original solutions to his collection of theorems and problems. The manuscript containing these solutions must have been of considerable size, since a portion of it was sent down to Manchester about July, 1777, for the purpose of obtaining Mr. Ainsworth's remarks and corrections; and Mr. Lawson is requested, in a letter bearing date "August 22, 1777," to "send the next portion when convenient." Whether Mr. Lawson did so or not, I have not yet been able to ascertain; but this much is certain, the manuscript was never printed, and would most probably either be disposed of at the death of its compiler, or previously transferred to the possession of some geometer of Mr. Lawson's acquaintance. Several of the original letters which passed between the respective parties relating to this manuscript are at present in the hands of two or three of the Lancashire geometers, but no one seems to know anything of the manuscript itself. May I then request that the fortunate holder of this yet valuable collection will make himself known through the medium of the widely circulated pages of "N. & Q."
T. T. Wilkinson.
Burnley, Lancashire.
Minor Queries
"Wanderings of Memory."—In Brayley's Graphic and Historical Illustrator, p. 293., is a quotation from the Wanderings of Memory, as a motto to an account of the ancient castle of the Peverils at Castleton, in Derbyshire: can any of your readers tell me who was the author of the poem in question?
W. R.
Camden Town.
"Wandering Willie's Tale."—Has the scene that presented itself to the view of Piper Steenie Steenson, when he was ushered by the phantom of his old friend Dougal McCallum into the presence of the ghastly revellers carousing in the auld oak parlour of the visionary Redgauntlet Castle, ever been painted? (See Redgauntlet, Letter xi.) If it has, is there any engraving of the picture extant or on sale?
C. Forbes.
Temple.
Chapel Sunday.—I had the pleasure of spending a Sunday in the course of the last summer in the neighbourhood of Keswick, among the delightful lake scenery of England. I there learned that in the village of Thornthwaite it was Chapel Sunday, and on inquiry I was told that there were a few other villages in the neighbourhood where there was also a Chapel Sunday. Upon this day it is the custom of young people to come from neighbouring places to attend worship at the village church or chapel, and the afternoon partakes of a merry-making character at the village inn. There appeared, as far as I could see, no excesses attending the anniversary, all being respectable in their conduct. Can any of your Cambrian readers inform me the origin of this anniversary?
Prestoniensis.
Proud Salopians.—I have never heard a satisfactory account of the origin of this title, given to persons belonging to my native county.
In the neighbourhood the following story is frequently related, but with what authority I cannot tell, viz. "That upon the king (Query which?) offering to make Shrewsbury a city, the inhabitants replied that they preferred its remaining the largest borough in England, rather than it should be the smallest city; their pride not allowing them to be small among the great."
If this history of the term be true, it would appear that the name should only be applied to burgesses of Shrewsbury.
Salopian.
George Miller, D.D.—In the year 1796, George Miller, subsequently the author of Modern History Philosophically Illustrated, and many other well-known works (of which a list appears in a recent Memoir), was appointed Donnelan Lecturer in Trinity College, Dublin; and delivered a course of sermons or lectures on "An Inquiry into the Causes that have impeded the further Progress of Christianity." I should be very glad indeed to know whether these Sermons have appeared in print; and if so, when and where published? I have not been able to procure a copy.
With regard to the Donnelan Lectureship, I may add, that a legacy of 1243l. was bequeathed to the College of Dublin by Mrs. Anne Donnelan, of the parish of St. George, Hanover Square, in the county of Middlesex, spinster, "for the encouragement of religion, learning, and good manners." The particular mode of application was entrusted to the Provost and Senior Fellows; and accordingly, amongst other resolutions of the Board, passed Feb. 22, 1794, are to be found the following: "That a Divinity Lecture, to which shall be annexed a salary arising from the interest of 1200l., shall be established for ever, to be called Donnelan's Lecture;" and "That one moiety of the interest of the said 1200l. shall be paid to the Lecturer as soon as he shall have delivered the whole number [six] of the lectures; and the other moiety as soon as he shall have published four of the said Lectures."
Abhba.
Members of Parliament.—Pennant, in The Journey from Chester to London, p. 94., says:
"The ancient owners of Rudgley were of the same name with the town: some of the family had the honour of being sheriffs of the county in the reign of Edward III. Another was knight of the shire in the same period."
Can any reader of "N. & Q." verify the last portion of Pennant's statement?
J. W. S. R.
St. Ives, Hunts.
Taret.—I have lately met with mention of a "small insect called the Taret." What may this be?
Tyro.
Jeroboam of Claret, &c.—Could any of your correspondents inform me what a Jeroboam of Claret is, and from what it is derived: also a Magnum of Port?
Winebibber.
William Williams of Geneva.—In Livre des Anglois, à Génève, with a few biographical notes by J. S. Burn, Esq., pages 5, 6. 12, 13., mention is made of Guillaume—Willm Willms, and Jane his wife,—Willm Willms, a senior of the church there in 1555, 1556, 1557, 1558; and some of the years he was a godfather. I shall be glad to have some further account of such William Williams, or references to where to find such?
Glwysig.
The First of April and "The Cap awry."—Tom Moore, in his Diary, 1819, says:
"April 1st. Made Bessy turn her cap awry in honour of the day."
What was the origin of this custom? Was this the way a fool was supposed to show that his head was turned?
C. R.
Paternoster Row.
Sir G. Browne, Bart.—Sir George Browne, Bart., of West Stafford, Berks, and Wickham, is said to have had nineteen children by his wife Eleanor Blount; and that three of those children were sons, killed in the service of Charles I.
Was either of those sons named Richard; and was any of them, and which, married? If so, where, and to whom?
Newbury.
Bishop Butler.—Will any of our Roman Catholic friends tell us on what authority they assert that Bishop Butler, the author of The Analogy, died in their communion? That he was suspected of a tendency that way during his life is acknowledged by all, though the grounds, that of setting up a cross in his chapel, are confessedly unsatisfactory. But, besides this, it is alleged that he died with a Roman Catholic book of devotion in his hand, and that the last person in whose company he was seen was a priest of that persuasion. One would be glad to have this question sifted.
X. Y. Z.
Oaken Tombs.—In Dr. Whitaker's noble history of Loidis and Elmete, p. 322., is the following passage:
"Next in point of time is a very singular memorial, which has evidently been removed from its original position, between the chapel and the high altar, to a situation at the south side and west end of the chapel.... The tomb is a messy frame-work of oak, with quarter-foils and arms on three sides, and on the table above three statues of the same material, namely, of a knight bare-headed, with rather youthful countenance and sharp features, and his two wives. On the filleting is this rude inscription in Old English:
'Bonys emong Stonys, lyes here ful styl,
Quilst the sawle wanders wher God wyl.
Anno Dni MCCCCCXXIX.'
This commemorates Sir John Savile, who married, &c.
"Over all has been a canopy, or rather tester, for the whole must have originally resembled an antique and massy bedstead, exhibiting the very incongruous appearance of a husband in bed with two wives at once."
The Doctor adds:
"Oaken tombs are very rare; that of Aymer de Valence in Westminster Abbey has been and still is in part coated over with copper, gilt, and enamelled, and I have seen another in the church of Tickencote in Rutlandshire. I do not recollect a third specimen."
Query, How many have been discovered since the great historian's day?
St. Bees.
Alleged Bastardy of Elizabeth.—In the State Paper Office (Dom. Pap., temp. Jac. I.), there is, under date of 1608, a letter from Mr. Chamberlaine to Sir Dudley Carleton, of October 28, in which Chamberlaine says:
"I heare of a Bill put into the Exchequer, concerninge much lande that shd be alienated on account of the alleged bastardy of Queen Elizabeth."
P. C. S. S. is desirous to know whether there be any record in the Court of Exchequer which bears out this singular statement.
P. C. S. S.
"Pugna Porcorum."—Where may be found some account of the author, object, &c. of this facetious production?
P. J. F. Gantillon, B.A.
Parviso.—Can any of your readers inform me as to the meaning of the word parviso; it occurs in the usual form of the "Testamur" for Responsions. On reference to Webster's Dictionary, I find that parvis is a small porch or gateway; perhaps this may throw some light upon the question.
Oxoniensis.
Mr. Justice Newton.—There is a very stiff Indian-ink copy of a portrait in the Sutherland Illustrated Clarendon, in the Bodleian Library, the original of which I should be glad to trace. It is described in the Catalogue to be "by Bulfinch," which is probably a mistake. It bears the following inscription:
"This is drawn from the painting in the hands of Mr. Justice Newton of the Middle Temple."
Can any one inform me when this learned justice lived; or rather, for it concerns me more, when he died? And farther, if it be not too hopeless an inquiry to make, who his existing representatives (if any) may be?
F. Kyffin Lenthall.
36. Mount Street, Grosvenor Square.
Mufti.—I hear military men employ this term, "we went in mufti:" meaning, out of uniform. Whence is it derived?
Maria.
Ryming and Cuculling.—In that very curious volume of extracts from The Presbytery Book of Strathbogie, A.D. 1631-54, which was printed for the Spalding Club in 1843, occurs the following passage:
"George Jinkin and John Christie referred from the Session of Abercherder, for ryming and cuculling, called, compeird not. Ordained to be summonded pro 2o."—P. 242.
Accordingly, on—
"The said day, George Jinkin in Abercherder, being summonded for his ryming and cuculling, being called, compeired; and being accused of the foresaid fault, confessed he only spoke three words of that ryme. Being sharpely rebuked, and instructed of the grosnes of that sin, was ordained to satisfie in sackcloth, which he promised to do."—P. 245.
What was the "fault" here alluded to, and visited with a species of discipline with which the presbytery, and those under its jurisdiction, appear to have been very familiar?
D.
Custom at the Savoy Church.—At the Savoy Church (London), the Sunday following Christmas Day, there was a chair placed near the door, covered with a cloth: on the chair was an orange, in a plate.
Can any of the readers of "N. & Q." inform me the meaning of this?