Simon Bening and his Charming Calendars
You have never cared much for calendars? Well, you are going to change your mind when you see Simon Bening’s works of art.
Giulia
Giulia is the Editor-in-Chief of Bookplate, the official magazine of Facsimile Finder. She keeps a keen eye on the latest news in the world of illuminated manuscript facsimiles.
The Magnificent and Exuberant Illuminations of the St Albans Psalter
If you were to teach reading and writing to your kids in the 12th century, you would probably use a Psalter. But would you choose one as magnificently illuminated as the St Albans Psalter? Scroll down for the video!
How to Access a Library During a Pandemic
Do you miss traveling and visiting museums? Don’t worry, the Gallerie Estensi in Modena didn’t forget about its international visitors and officially launched a “Digital Library” to make its manuscripts available for everyone! (Guest post by Bianca Raimondi, who did her internship at FacsimileFinder in the summer of 2020)
The Getty Apocalypse: A Humorous Take on the End of the World?
In many of the 41 illustrations, John the Divine is peeking at the apocalyptic scene from an opening in the frame. We like to imagine that the artist had a lot of fun while depicting the apostle’s awe.
Tracing Otto III’s Life in Three Manuscripts
Around the year 1000, Holy Roman Emperor Otto III and his mother Teophanu had a lasting influence on European politics and culture. A marriage certificate, a devotional codex, and a gospel book still witness their grandeur.
Hortus Eystettensis by Basilius Besler: the richest botanical garden in Europe
The most complete guide on how to create a magnificent botanical garden, by the apothecary and botanist Basilius Besler.
Exploring the Bible’s Meanings, Finding Luxurious Gothic Art
Six centuries ago in the Netherlands, innovative manuscript art merged with Gothic style to create a lavish, gold-decorated codex comparing scenes from the Old and New testaments. It is called “Bible for the Poor”, but was it really destined for the common people?
As Precious as Charlemagne’s Crown
The Lorsch Gospels, written with gold ink from beginning to end, is so well-preserved one would think it was made yesterday. Yet its full-page illustrations, glowing with real silver and held together by a carved ivory cover, reflect the height of artistic brilliance of Charlemagne’s court.
Vergilius Vaticanus: A Rare Survival From the Dawn of the Literary Codex
Made in Rome in the decades after 400, the Vergilius Vaticanus, an illustrated collection of Vergil’s main works, was so influential in Western art that it served as a model in the artistic circle of Raphael.
Just Announced: A Jewel of Romanesque Illumination, Now Available in Facsimile
The Brandenburger Evangeliary, the most cherished treasure in the Brandenburg Cathedral archive, has been protected from damage for the last eight hundred years. A new facsimile edition by Quaternio Verlag Luzern allows art enthusiasts to finally enjoy its splendor.