On the history of Illuminated Manuscripts and their Facsimiles
A Beacon of Culture
If you are a book lover, you cannot miss this Alumina article about the Herzog August Bibliothek in Wolfenbüttel, whose vast collection has remained untouched for over four hundred years.
A Forever-Shining Gem of the German Romanesque Period
After eight and a half centuries this liturgical book, profusely decorated with shimmering gold and silver, is almost untouched by time. A new facsimile edition by Quaternio Verlag Luzern takes us closer to the perfection of its Romanesque illuminations.
The Jewel of Renaissance Lombardy
Did you know that the illuminator of this precious book of hours helped Leonardo da Vinci paint the Virgin of the Rocks? Find out more in today's Alumina article!
Under Dürer’s star
A fan of German book illumination? Don't miss this Alumina article about Nikolaus Glockendon, one of the foremost artists of his time.
A Journey Through the Underworld in Forty-nine Illuminations
Not only does this splendidly decorated manuscript contain forty-nine illuminations created under the guidance of Pacino di Bonaguida. It also features commentaries by illustrious contemporary intellectuals, among which is a poem attributed to Boccaccio. Scroll down to see the video!
The Renaissance of Leonardo, Five Hundred Years Later
If you are a Leonardo enthusiast, 2019 is the perfect year to unravel the mysteries surrounding his genius. To mark the 500th anniversary since his death, museums and venues all over the world are celebrating his work with dozens of events and exhibitions. Here is a selection of our favorites.
The Star of the Renaissance, Isabella d’Este Gonzaga
Today's Alumina Article deepens the figure of Isabella d’Este Gonzaga, the Reinassance princess legendary for her art collection and education.
Illuminating the future: the Vaticinia Pontificum of London
Enjoy this Alumina article about the Vaticinia Pontificum! Produced in the 1430s, the Vaticinia Pontificum is generally considered one of the most enduring works of propaganda connected to the Papacy.
The Vyšehrad Codex: a milestone in the history of the Czech Republic
The Vysehrad Codex is a Latin coronation Gospel Book, considered the most critical and valuable manuscript kept in Bohemia. It is a unique testimony of the Romanesque time and the oldest document related to the Czech environment.
My Pretty “Little” Book of Kells
“She played the fiddle in an Irish band / but she fell in love with … the Book of Kells”: today we fly to Dublin to meet Ireland’s finest national treasure.
The Rebirth of the Vienna Genesis
The Vienna Genesis is one of the most ancient purple manuscripts surviving today, dating back to the early 6th century. In 2019 we will see its rebirth thanks to a one-of-a-kind facsimile edition by Quaternio Verlag Luzern.
The Library of Federico da Montefeltro
In occasion of Federico da Montefeltro's death anniversary, we though to celebrate this great patron of Renaissance with a short trip to his palace and his library in Urbino.
Offiziolo by Francesco da Barberino – A Recovered Treasure
Francesco's Offiziolo is one of the earliest evidence of the fortune of Dante's Divina Commedia in that it refers to the work at its early stages when it was still being written. Want to know more? Read on!
Papyrus Ani – Book of the Dead
Ever wondered about Egyptian culture of the dead? Well, the Papyrus Ani sheds new light on the religion of Ancient Egypt, find out more!
Codex Purpureus Rossanensis – Symbol of an Age
The Codex Purpureus Rossanensis is one of the most ancient and marvelous extant codices purpurei. Recently restored, it is a monumental awe-inspiring masterpiece.