Multispectral Imaging and Microscopic Analysis of a Medieval Runic Manuscript (AM 28 8vo)

Abstract

In recent decades scholars started reaching out to advanced imaging technologies to reveal hidden text of manuscripts or to identify features that are undetectable to the naked eye. To this end, Copenhagen, Den Arnamagnæanske Samling, AM 28 8vo, also known as Codex Runicus, one of the most famous and intriguing Danish medieval manuscripts written entirely in medieval runes, underwent multispectral imaging(MSI) and microscopic analysis. AM 28 8vo has been studied, edited and digitized, but no in-depth analysis of material features like erasures, changing of inks, missing or faded portions of texts by means of digital-based methods exists yet. Along with three scribes who wrote the texts, AM 28 8vo also includes a marginal apparatus that carries valuable information on the history of its ownership and its reading by leading Danish philologists. Some inks of both the main text and marginalia are examined here combining MSI and microscopic analyses to understand possible correlations between those who wrote, edited and annotated the texts directly on the manuscript. Finally, this contribution reports on the results of such analyses, taking spectral reflectance as a valid guide in a first attempt of mapping scribal hands, and demonstrates how it can expand our understanding of the manuscript, its production, and its history.