De Vera Habitus Forma a Beato Francisco Instituto Demonstrationes  [Demonstrations on the True Form of the Habit Instituted by Blessed Francis], 1640

MANUSCRIPT NUMBER 020

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In the middle of the 17th century a controversy arose regarding the monkish habit and cowls of the Franciscan Order and of their offshoot, the Capuchins. The unknown author, apparently a Capuchin Monk, tried to prove to Pope Urban VIII in this work, the ancient tradition of the habits. He traces the habits and vestments of the Friar Minor back to St. Francis himself. Demonstrating that strict rules applied to this subject as early as the 13th century, he pays particular attention to the cowl and its form. The author hoped that his argument would lead the Pope to decide in favor of the traditionalists.

This bound volume is in Latin with four engravings and 17 pen and blue wash drawings along with text on 68 leaves. From the incidence of numerous illustrations in Flanders and surrounding countries, it might be concluded that the manuscript originated in this region. Many of the sketches come from paintings, murals and glass windows in churches. The text is written in legible cursive and the preface is inscribed to Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644). The volume is bound in vellum.