On the history of Illuminated Manuscripts and their Facsimiles
Illuminating Dante in Trecento Italy
Early illuminated manuscripts of the Divine Comedy exhibit a diverse array of formats. In this article, art historian Elizabeth C. Teviotdale presents five notable examples from the fourteenth century to illustrate the various methodologies employed by book artists in their interpretations of the poem.
The Rothschild Canticles: An Illuminated Mystery
What do the Holy Trinity, the Desert Fathers, and a terrified man fleeing from a giant snail have in common? Surprisingly, they are all masterfully depicted within the curious yet captivating manuscript known as the Rothschild Canticles. But what connects this peculiar imagery, along with several other profane illustrations found in the margins, to the sacred themes of the text and its full-page theological illuminations? Continue reading, and join us in unraveling the mystery.
Frankfurt Book Fair 2024: Low Expectations, Great Outcome
This year I set off for the Frankfurt Book Fair with low expectations, only to discover that publishers unveiled 10 new exciting facsimiles. From the Letters of Othea to the Cloisters Apocalypse, this year brought unexpected surprises that are sure to delight art book enthusiasts!
Facsimiles & Futurism: Capturing the World’s Dynamism & Energy Through Art
Futurism was an artistic movement centered in Italy that emphasized the dynamism, speed, energy, and power of the machine, and the vitality, change, and restlessness of modern life.
From Carolingian Roots to Ottonian Mastery: The Artistic Journey of the Gero Codex
It is a truism of medieval art history that virtually all Ottonian art betrays the influence of Carolingian art, and this is demonstrated above all in the art of manuscript illumination. The Gero Codex is a remarkable witness to how an Ottonian painter received the Carolingian heritage so valued by the painters of his age.
Unveiling Leonardo: The Secrets Within the 12 Notebooks at the Institut de France
These twelve meticulously preserved notebooks span nearly three decades of Leonardo's life, offering a rare glimpse into the genius's relentless curiosity and boundless creativity. From intricate sketches of flying machines to profound treatises on optics and anatomy, each page brims with the timeless wisdom of a visionary ahead of his time. A surprise awaits you at the end of this article!
From Passion to Purpose: The Birth and Growth of Facsimile Finder
Imagine a hot summer day on the Romagna seashore, with my son kicking a ball and my wife Giulia attempting to soak up the sun. It was during this moment that I vividly recall bombarding her with questions and frantically jotting down notes on a piece of paper, in an attempt to solidify my ideas and chase the sudden vision of what would eventually become the Facsimile Finder database.
Highlights from the 75th Frankfurt Book Fair
Each year at the Frankfurt Book Fair, Europe's largest, I delve into the latest news and rumors from the European publishing scene. It's a unique opportunity to (re)connect, learn, and celebrate the ever-evolving world of books.
Three Bi-Lingual Illuminated Apocalypse Manuscripts
Explore with Liz Teviotdale the mesmerizing world of three closely related illuminated Apocalypse manuscripts from 14th century England. Uniting the Latin with an Anglo-Norman translation, commentary, and striking imagery, these manuscripts offer a captivating glimpse into Saint John's apocalyptic visions.
Teaching with Hebrew Manuscript Facsimiles
Professor Shirin Fozi explains why she found handling the newly acquired Hebrew facsimiles in the University of Pittsburgh’s library to be transformative and why the physical presence of the facsimiles in the library proved vital for her seminars.
Manuscript Facsimiles as Teaching Tools
Find out how professors and experts in medieval studies took advantage of facsimile editions as teaching tools. And don't miss the chance to book a free class with facsimile edition expert Giovanni Scorcioni.
Learning about Making Manuscripts with a Cistercian Prayer Book
Why does the facsimile of the Herrenalb Prayer Book offer a precious insight into the ancient and fascinating art of crafting medieval codices? Let’s find out with Liz Teviotdale.
What’s New at Frankfurt Book Fair 2022?
A book about monstrous creatures, an herbal with hundreds of illustrations of medicinal plants and animals, two codices by Leonardo da Vinci that got lost for 150 years: the Frankfurt Book Fair granted me the privilege to get a preview of new amazing facsimiles. Read and choose your favorite!
How a Medieval Facsimile of a Roman Map Offered Direction in a Hybrid Classroom
Find out how an American Professor specializing in art history used a facsimile of a medieval map of the Roman Empire to enrich and deepen her students’ learning experience. Teaching in a hybrid environment during the pandemic has been quite a challenge for both teachers and students, but in this case, it turned into a great opportunity.
A Fascinating Glimpse into Roman Life and Dress
The miniatures of the Vatican Terence (ca. 825, Aachen), even if painted centuries after the performances portrayed, provide an insight into both late Roman art and the conventions of ancient drama and society. Let's meet the Masks of the Roman Stage!