in illa forma et compositione, figuris et storiis, demonstrandis

[neilgd]

Hi,

This is from a contract from a fifteenth century painting. I'm trying to understand the nuance of the bit in bold. Essentially, does this imply that the form, composition, figures and stories have already been given to the painter, or that they will have to be, or that it is impossible to tell?

... locaverunt et concesserunt ad pingendum magistro Johanni Pauli pictori de Senis, [...], ad pingendum unam tabulam ad altarem et pro altare cappelle noviter constructe in ecclesia Hospitalis sancte Marie de la Schala de Senis, per dictam Universitatem, sub nomine et titolo Purifactionis gloriose Virginis Marie, in illa forma et compositione, figuris et storiis eidem magistro Johanni per dictos rectores demonstrandis et assignandis, cum hiis pactis et modis, videlicet: (and then there's a list)

My best effort is:

They have said and conceded that Giovanni di Paolo, painter of Siena, should paint an altar panel for the newly constructed chapel in the Hospital of Santa Maria della Scala of Siena, for the aforementioned University, under the name and title of 'Purification of the glorious Virgin Mary', in that form and composition, with figures and stories, that the aforesaid rectors must give to the master Giovanni, with these agreements and limits, that is:

Thanks!

 

[limetrees]

The rectors have agreed among themselves the commission and have agreed or will agree the figures and scenes, and all of these are to be given to the painter by the rectors.
It doesn't even say that the figures and scenes have been agreed yet amongst the rectors themselves (though perhaps one would imagine that they will form part of the act of commission) (unless the agreements and means give them, but that might be a reference to dates and payment).

 

[Imber Ranae]

locaverunt et concesserunt = 'contracted and commissioned'

 

[neilgd]

Thank you!