Marginalia – Scribes say the darndest things

With an image like this, how could I not share this story?

There are a number of sites that have posted this (HT: Hanne), it is a 2004 publication by Michael Camille, Image on the Edge: The Margins of Medieval Art. I have posted here before of a few marginal drawings in the Targum MS Solger. (I do not work with very many MSS directly myself, I know, I really should, they are very cool.) In this case it is a “finger note,” a small hand drawn pointing to and from a marginal note.

Here it is a textual note, whereas the Christian MSS which are the subject of the book referenced above, the scribes are complaining about their work. “Now I’ve written the whole thing: for Christ’s sake give me a drink.” I am also reminded of Eccl. 12:12, “Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.”

It seems what is old is ever the same. Now if you will excuse me, I need to give my wrists a rest. I think I am developing carpal tunnel syndrome.