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Carta Pisano, 1090 (ink on parchment)
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Carta Pisano, 1090 (ink on parchment)
3083348 Carta Pisano, 1090 (ink on parchment) by Italian School, (11th century); 28.7x19.6 cm; Free Library of Philadelphia; (add.info.: This leaf contains part of a sheet of accounts for the repair of a ship in Pisa, Italy. The sheet was later trimmed and reused as a flyleaf for the binding of a book. Parchment was commonly reused in this way. Someone attempted to erase the accounts but only succeeded in removing the bottom six lines.
This folio contains the earliest extant example of written Tuscan, a dialect of Italian. The folio also represents the earliest example of an Italian document written entirely in the vernacular, as Latin was used almost exclusively for writing until the end of the twelfth century. The account includes amounts paid for timber, nails, tar, and craftsmans labor.); eFree Library of Philadelphia; Italian, out of copyright
Media ID 23115302
© Free Library of Philadelphia / Bridgeman Images
11th Accounts Binding Carta Document Folio Language Note Notes Pisa Record Repair Repairs Script Tuscan Vernacular Written Dialect Pisano Recycled Reused
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This print showcases the "Carta Pisano, 1090" an ink on parchment document created by the Italian School in the 11th century. Measuring 28.7x19.6 cm, this artifact is housed in the Free Library of Philadelphia's collection. Originally used as a sheet of accounts for repairing a ship in Pisa, Italy, it was later repurposed as a flyleaf for bookbinding after being trimmed. The leaf bears witness to historical practices of reusing parchment, with someone attempting to erase its original content but only managing to remove the bottom six lines. Notably, this folio holds immense significance as it contains the earliest known example of written Tuscan—a dialect of Italian—and represents one of the first documents entirely composed in vernacular language instead of Latin. The account recorded on this piece includes payments made for timber, nails, tar, and skilled labor required for ship repairs—an intriguing glimpse into maritime activities during that era. The handwriting and script reflect the craftsmanship prevalent at that time. As we admire this remarkable manuscript from centuries ago, we are reminded not only of its historical value but also how recycled materials can carry hidden stories waiting to be uncovered. This image offers us a window into ancient Italy and serves as a testament to our shared European heritage and cultural evolution over time.
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