Material Research into the Manuscript of Dvůr Králové and the Manuscript of Zelená Hora: The Documentation of Their Current State
Abstract
The Manuscript of Dvůr Králové (RK) and the Manuscript of Zelená Hora (RZ) are among the most famous and most discussed manuscripts from the collections of the National Museum. Both of them (RKZ) have been discussed mainly in terms of their authenticity, specifically the time when the texts recorded in them were written.
The chemical analyses of the RKZ, repeatedly performed over almost two centuries, instigated the current research into their physical condition as virtually all material research conducted in the past was invasive, making irreversible changes to the manuscripts. On the occasion of the two-hundredth anniversary of the discovery of the RK and supposedly also the RZ, it was decided that the two manuscripts would be exhibited for a short time, in which connection their physical condition should be assessed.
The aim of the research was not to intervene in the disputes over the authenticity of the RKZ, but mainly to evaluate and document the impact of all previous research. The research only used non-invasive imaging and analytical research methods including photographs in different types of light, microscopic research, documentation by means of infrared reflectography and X-rays as well as the identification of pigments by X-ray fluorescence analysis and Raman spectroscopy.
In addition, collagen analysis was performed in order to determine the origin of the animal from which the parchment had been made. The outcome of the research is a detailed description of the damage of all bifolios of the RKZ, accompanied by extensive photographic documentation and collected data.
What is of particular importance for the long-term preservation of both manuscripts is the identification of the negative impact of some tests conducted in the past and the consequent need to seek optimal ways of the protection or even conservation of both manuscript fragments. This publication presents the established facts accompanied by abundant visual material.