Remembering Quentin Quesnell: A Scholar’s Quest for Truth

On November 29, 2012, Quentin Quesnell, the Roe/Straut Professor of the Humanities Emeritus at Smith College, passed away, leaving behind a legacy marked by rigorous scholarship and a commitment to uncovering the truth. Among his many contributions to the academic community, Quesnell is perhaps best known for his critical examination of the Letter to Theodore, a controversial document purportedly authored by Clement of Alexandria and discovered by Morton Smith in the Mar Saba monastery near Bethlehem. This post commemorates Quesnell’s work, particularly his efforts to authenticate—or debunk—the legitimacy of this enigmatic manuscript.

The Letter to Theodore: A Controversial Discovery

The Letter to Theodore, which includes excerpts from a supposed secret Gospel of Mark, was discovered by Morton Smith in 1958. It quickly became a focal point of scholarly debate due to its potentially explosive implications for understanding early Christian texts and traditions. Skepticism about the document's authenticity emerged almost as swiftly as its discovery, with some scholars questioning whether Smith himself might have forged the text.

Quesnell's Initial Doubts and Scholarly Pursuits

Quentin Quesnell was among the early skeptics. In 1975, he published a paper expressing his suspicions, suggesting that Smith possessed both the skills and the opportunity to create a forgery. However, Quesnell's investigation did not stop at mere speculation. Recognizing the need for a thorough and definitive examination, Smith College funded a significant trip for Quesnell to Jerusalem from June 1-20, 1983. During this trip, Quesnell aimed to settle the authenticity question once and for all.

The 1983 Jerusalem Expedition

In Jerusalem, Quesnell examined the Letter to Theodore firsthand, working closely with Kallistos Dourvas, the chief librarian of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchal library. Quesnell arranged for new photographs to be taken under his specific instructions, focusing on detailed close-ups of individual letters to facilitate a rigorous paleographic analysis.

A letter from June 20, 1983, preserved in the Smith College Archives, details Quesnell’s requests for photographs. He thanked Dourvas for his assistance and outlined the specific shots he needed for further examination. These included full-page images and detailed close-ups of the manuscript's three pages. Dourvas complied, sending the requested negatives to Quesnell later that year, as confirmed in a note dated September 5, 1983.

Continuing the Examination from Massachusetts

Back in Massachusetts, Quesnell planned to continue his investigation using the new photographs. In 1987, he sought additional funding from Smith College to analyze the slides and negatives in collaboration with paleographic experts in 18th-century Greek handwriting. His funding request, titled "EXPLANATION OF PROJECT FOR DEVELOPMENT OFFICE Quentin Quesnell Department of Religion and Biblical Literature," recounted his 1983 trip and emphasized the importance of the photographs for a thorough examination.

Despite receiving recommendations for external funding sources, Quesnell's extensive notes and photographs did not lead to a published conclusion on the manuscript's authenticity. Among his papers, which were eventually transferred to the Smith College archives with the assistance of David Trobisch, were nine photographic slides developed by "Dick" Fish at the Smith College Imaging Center. These slides were intended for detailed paleographic observation, utilizing film enlargement techniques to scrutinize the manuscript's handwriting.

Legacy and Unresolved Questions

Although Quesnell’s work did not produce definitive evidence of forgery, his meticulous approach and dedication to scholarly rigor remain noteworthy. The Letter to Theodore continues to be a subject of debate, but Quesnell’s efforts highlight the complexities and challenges inherent in authenticating ancient manuscripts.

Quentin Quesnell’s legacy at Smith College and within the broader academic community is one of intellectual curiosity, critical inquiry, and an unwavering pursuit of truth. His contributions serve as a reminder of the importance of diligence and skepticism in scholarly work, particularly when dealing with documents that have the potential to reshape our understanding of history.

As we remember Quesnell, we honor not only his scholarly achievements but also his commitment to fostering a rigorous and questioning academic environment. His work on the Letter to Theodore, though inconclusive, exemplifies the spirit of relentless inquiry that drives the humanities forward.