This thesis explores the relationship of the Sermo Angelicus of St. Birgitta of Sweden, written in the fourteenth century, with the Nativity/Concert of Angels panel of the Isenheim Altarpiece, painted by Matthias Grunewald in 1514 for a hospital and monastery run by the Antonite Order. Taking into consideration the context of the altarpiece, this thesis analyzes its iconography in relation to specific passages from the Sermo Angelicus, suggesting that the text was a possible source used by the Antonites in the Nativity/Concert of Angels panel. By doing so, parallel themes of salvation in both the text and the panel are discovered that in turn relate to the altarpiece in its entirety and present a message fashioned specifically for those patients at the hospital at Isenheim that viewed the altarpiece.

<p>This dissertation contains an edition of <i>Dyalogus super Reuelacionibus beate Birgitte</i>, which is a discussion and defence of the Revelations (<i>Reuelaciones</i>) of St. Birgitta of Sweden (ca. 1303-1373). In legal proceedings at the Council of Basle (1431-1449), the <i>Reuelaciones</i> were accused of heresy, examined and defended. Among the defenders was Heymericus de Campo (1395-1460), who at that time was professor of theology at the University of Cologne. In addition to the formal examination reports, Heymericus wrote a dialogue on the subject. The <i>Dyalogus</i>, which was probably composed as a contribution to a debate, is tentatively dated to have been written between October 1434 and February 17, 1435. The main part of <i>Dyalogus </i>consists of 123 text passages extracted from the <i>Reuelaciones</i> and accused of heresy, and Heymericus’ defence of these text passages. The aim of the defence is to prove that the <i>Reuelaciones</i> are truly orthodox and thus inspired by God. In addition, Heymericus intends to display the reasons and arguments the impugners had for questioning the <i>Reuelaciones</i>. <i>Dyalogus</i> and the other defences were read and copied foremost within the Birgittine order. The judgement passed at the proceedings called for a commentary before the <i>Reuelaciones</i> could be disseminated to the whole of their extent. To the Birgittines the defences of Basle filled this purpose, at least for some time. </p><p>The extensive introduction of the thesis deals with the historical context of the text, its use and importance, its place within the author’s literary production, the contents and language of the text, and finally the textual transmission. Vadstena Abbey’s copy of the text is chosen as base manuscript for the edition.</p>

This dissertation contains an edition of Dyalogus super Reuelacionibus beate Birgitte, which is a discussion and defence of the Revelations (Reuelaciones) of St. Birgitta of Sweden (ca. 1303-1373). In legal proceedings at the Council of Basle (1431-1449), the Reuelaciones were accused of heresy, examined and defended. Among the defenders was Heymericus de Campo (1395-1460), who at that time was professor of theology at the University of Cologne. In addition to the formal examination reports, Heymericus wrote a dialogue on the subject. The Dyalogus, which was probably composed as a contribution to a debate, is tentatively dated to have been written between October 1434 and February 17, 1435. The main part of Dyalogus consists of 123 text passages extracted from the Reuelaciones and accused of heresy, and Heymericus’ defence of these text passages. The aim of the defence is to prove that the Reuelaciones are truly orthodox and thus inspired by God. In addition, Heymericus intends to display the reasons and arguments the impugners had for questioning the Reuelaciones. Dyalogus and the other defences were read and copied foremost within the Birgittine order. The judgement passed at the proceedings called for a commentary before the Reuelaciones could be disseminated to the whole of their extent. To the Birgittines the defences of Basle filled this purpose, at least for some time. The extensive introduction of the thesis deals with the historical context of the text, its use and importance, its place within the author’s literary production, the contents and language of the text, and finally the textual transmission. Vadstena Abbey’s copy of the text is chosen as base manuscript for the edition.

Utgåva av en predikan skriven i Vadstena kloster att hållas på den Heliga Birgittas kanonisationsdag