VENICE MUDA TO ALEXANDRIA IN 1504 Ref 431 Overview

NOTE: -

It is intended to post transcripts and translations of each page as and when time allows.

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: -

 

PLEASE NOTE: -

“MUDA” is a singular word relating to one of the mercantile convoys sailing out of Venice each year.

“MUDE” is a plural word relating to several, or all, of the mercantile convoys sailing out of Venice each year.

 

This manuscript include two texts, the first being the Regulations of the Muda of Venice to Alexandria, and the second being the Journal of the Muda to Alexandria that set sail from Venice on 21st. May, 1504. The manuscript was probably written in that city in that year.

 

27 leaves, leaf size 249mm x172mm (9 3/4ins. X 6 8/10ins.) with a text block of 172mm x 98mm (6 8/10ins. x 3 17/20ins.).

Single column, 29 lines in a superb, elegant, humanistic cursive minuscule script in black, probably all written by the same scribe. Many ascenders on the top line, and descenders on the bottom line, have been embellished.

 

Each of the Regulations has been numbered in a later hand.

Each folio has been numbered in the top right corner by a later hand.

 

PROVENANCE: -

 

1. The text relates specifically to the activity of a maritime fleet sailing out of Venice in 1504 and the manuscript can only have been written there in that year.

2. Purchased from Minerva Auctions, Palazzo Odescalchi, Piazza SS.Apostoli 80, 00187, Rome, Italy, their Auction 122 on 3rd. February 2016, Lot 209. The manuscript was received with Export Licence No. 10054 dated 11th. April 2016 issued by the Italian authorities.

 

TEXT: -

 

The text comprises: -

1. Regulations of the Muda of Venice to Alexandria drawn up by the Venetian Senate Sages beginning abruptly at the end of Regulation 5 on f.1r (originally folio 2) continuing to f.19v (originally folio 20) when it ends abruptly in Regulation 95, restarting abruptly again in Regulation 99 on f.20r (originally folio 22) and ending on f.21r (originally folio 23). The Regulations are written in Latin.

2. Journal of the Muda to Alexandria that set sail from Venice on 21st. May, 1504 beginning on f.21v (originally folio 23) ending abruptly on f.27v (originally folio 29). There is at least one folio missing at the end (what would have been folio 30). It is possible that there would have been one or more further gatherings required to complete the Journal. This may become evident when the transcriptions and translations have been completed.

 

ILLUMINATION AND DECORATION: =

 

The manuscript is not illuminated, only decorated.

There are many one--line initials together with a single two-line initial in either red or blue set into the left hand margin. Small letters left by the scribe for the decorator can often be seen.

 

THE MISSING LEAVES: -

 

It is unfortunate that the manuscript in not complete. There are three missing leaves which are the first leaf and the outside bifolium of the last gathering. As indicated above, it is possible that there may have been one or more further gatherings at the end of the manuscript.

 

Whilst the first leaf is missing a stub of the inside edge of it does remain. It shows that there had been a headline that had included a miniature and at least a liquid gold border the full height of the page at the inside edge.

 

GENERAL COMMENTS: -

 

Whilst not complete and f.1r and f.27v being a little dirty, this is a superb manuscript to have in the collection. There are few other signs of wear. The nature of the two texts are that, if nothing else, the copy of the Regulations is at least rare in the truest sense and the Journal text is, in all probability, in the truest sense, UNIQUE.

 

THE MUDE OF VENICE: -

 

The “Mude” of Venice were were organized by the Republic and were distinguished from private commercial enterprises for the fact that they were guided by the Republic commanders who officially represented the commercial interests in the Levant markets. The “Mude” were formed of rowing galleys with auxiliary sails that were contracted out to private entrepreneurs. The convoys were of armed and escorted galleys that were mainly used for what was known as “thin” cargos, i.e. those with the greatest value in the least space. Early trade was concentrated mainly in the Eastern Mediterranean but Venice was not confined to this eastern trade. It was present throughout the Mediterranean and even in the English Channel and the North Sea with the longest and most famous of the trips, to reach the ports of Flanders. In the mid-fifteenth century, the period of maximum activity, Venice mude organized the following:

the Muda of Syria, who touching Cyprus and Beirut was operating almost exclusively for the cotton trade;

the Muda of Egypt, with destinations in Alexandria and Beirut;

the Muda of Tana and Romania, direct to Constantinople and, at least until 1450, Tana, in the Black Sea;

the Muda of Trafego, direct to Tunis and Alexandria;

The Muda Barbaria, in the Western Mediterranean, reaching North Africa and southern Spain;

The Muda Waters Death, Marseille and Barcelona via Aigues Mortes;

the Muda of Flanders, whose main goals were to Bruges, London and Southampton.

 

The “Mude” system was an all inclusive concept involving not only international trades but also international public relations and networking. The system was able to guarantee the prosperity of an entire community linking a small city to all the main capitals of the known world.

 

By the mid-1500s, industrial activities had overtaken maritime activities as the primary driver of the Venetian economy.

Done