For the first time, The Walters Art Museum of Baltimore, is exhibiting as a collection its illuminated missals, liturgical manuscripts and early printed missals.
For This Is My Body: The Medieval Missal, which revolves around the early Catholic Mass, coincides with the celebrations that mark the reopening of Baltimore’s historic Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
“I think it is great to have this strong relationship between the Archdiocese and the Walters,” said Sean Caine, spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. “This will prolong people’s interest in seeing the newly done Basilica [which is near the museum] and add an educational component as well.”
The exhibit is extremely rare because of its emphasis on illustrations that decorate the text of the Canon of the Mass, the core of the medieval church doctrine devoted to the crucifixion and the celebration of the eucharist. Priests’ words during eucharist, “Hoc est enim Corpus meum,” or “For this is my Body,” are the most profound moments in the celebration. One of the key features of this exhibition is that it places an emphasis on illustrations that decorate the text of the Cannon of the Mass, the core of the medieval church doctrine devoted to the crucifixion and the celebration of the eucharist.
Generally, illustrations are quite small but this exhibit includes many that are full-page size, said William Noel, curator of manuscripts and rare books. In addition, “it is very, very rare to show these [books] in a museum context,” with period candlesticks and furnishings that give a sense of the original medieval displays, he said. One of the rarest pieces is the Saint Francis missal, which Noel called “an outstandingly important manuscript.”Many believe Saint Francis — the Catholic patron saint of animals and the environment- used that missal to determine the basis for the rule of his order of Friars.
“The Walters has some of the finest examples of Christian art in the world and would make an enjoyable holiday visit for the whole family,” said Amy Mannarino, manager of public relations. “A highlight this season is this free exhibition.”
IF YOU GO
» Exhibit: For This Is My Body: The Medieval Missal
» Where: The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St., Baltimore
» Date: Now through Jan. 28
» Admission: Free
» More info: 410-547-9000
