On the history of Illuminated Manuscripts and their Facsimiles
Feasting Around the Table in Centuries Past
Did you know that ancient cooking manuals contained humor and parody? Or why Dante called one of his poems "The Banquet"? Take a peek in the kitchens and dining rooms of bygone centuries!
The Codex Tulane: A Journey Back in Time to 16th-century Mexico
One of a few extant codices in the format of a rolled cylinder scroll, this impressive work was crafted by indigenous artists with European influences. Read on to discover never-ending story of the Tulane Codex.
New Facsimile Unveiled: The Berry Apocalypse
Our friends from Müller & Schindler surprise us with a new, unprecedented manuscript of the Apocalypse made during a troubled time for Europeans: the beginning of the 15th century.
An Interview With the Divine Comedy of Alfonso of Aragon
The Divine Comedy of Alfonso of Aragon witnessed the Italian Renaissance, the Spanish Inquisition, and lived in the library of a prominent English book collector of the 19th century. We could not miss the opportunity to ask some questions!
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!
Definition of Facsimile: What is a Facsimile Edition?
Following the invention of fax machines, the original meaning of the word facsimile was somewhat lost. However, allow us to shed a bit of light on the more specific meaning of widely-used word that gives name to a very special type of publication.
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!
Van Damme Hours – One of Simon Bening’s Masterpieces
Want to know a bit more about Simon Bening, one of the greatest Flemish illuminators of all time? Why not take a few minutes to read about his pictorial technique?
Simon Bening and His Charming Calendars
Never cared much for calendars? Simon Bening's works of art are about to change your mind.
From Martyrs to Saints: The Stories of the Vita Kiliani
What does a bishop died in 689 have to do with a fourth-century woman died a virgin? The stories of Saint Kilian and Saint Margaret told in the Vita Kiliani might have more in common than you imagine. Read about it and see if you can find out!
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!
New Video: Divine Comedy “Dante Urbinate” Facsimile Edition
Once upon a time only dukes, popes, and princesses could hold a priceless artifact like the Divine Comedy "Dante Urbinate" in their hands. Today, facsimiles allow you to leaf through them — well, at least virtually! So what are you waiting for?
Vergilius Romanus: Among the Best-Preserved Late-Antique Codices
If you're curious to witness the transition from scroll to book, or to find out which features of Medieval illumination were already used in Late Antiquity, you shouldn't miss the Vergilius Romanus.
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)
New Video: The Isabella Breviary Facsimile Edition
Once upon a time only dukes, popes, and princesses could hold a priceless artifact like The Isabella Breviary in their hands. Today, facsimiles allow you to leaf through them — well, at least virtually! So what are you waiting for?