Manoscritti latini di apocrifi mariani nel secolo XIII

Exploratory investigation into the handwritten tradition of the Latin Marian apocrypha in the 13th century. Two significant texts are taken into consideration for their circulation at that time: the Latin translation of Epifanius’ Vita Virginis and the Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew, which also includes the Latin Compilation of the Infancy. The survey identifies some manuscripts that have not yet been considered in the studies on these works and reveals some new and specific interests of the 13th century culture. The association of Marian apocrypha with other theological texts, especially in the field of mystical theology, indicates that the doctrinal content of Mariological apocrypha is still a topic for reflection. The spread of Marian texts and their association with other works also shows the propagation of eschatological meditation and the attention to prophetic revelation, a sign of the persistent influence of Joachim of Fiore’s doctrine. Furthermore, it is noted that the apocryphal literature on Mary becomes an integral part of the hagiographical materials in common use for preaching. Finally, in the 13th century occurs a shift in the literary genre that involves the reception of Marian apocrypha into the medieval narrative literature.