On the Second Punic War is a handsomely illuminated manuscript created in Florence in 1447 or 1448 for Pope Nicholas V. Its text is an epic Latin poem by the ancient Roman author Silius Italicus. The opening page of the poem features a historiated initial and a painted border by Zanobi di Benedetto Strozzi, possibly assisted by Battista di Biagio Sanguigni. The seven surviving full-page miniatures by Pesellino (Francesco di Stephano) are exquisite portraits of the patron, the author, historical figures, the ancient god Mars, and personifications of Carthage and Rome.
The Second Punic War forms the central narrative of Silius Italicus's epic Latin poem, chronicling Rome's journey from initial defeats to ultimate triumph in one of history's most consequential conflicts. The poem celebrates Roman resilience and virtue, portraying the heroic qualities of its leaders during this existential struggle against Carthage.
The Manuscript's Vatican Origins
This magnificent codex was identified as the current manuscript Lat. XII, 68 - 4519 held in Venice's Marciana Library. The volume likely departed from the papal collection during Pope Paul II's pontificate (1462-1471), after originally being commissioned by Nicholas V, whose scholarly acquisitions established the foundation of the Vatican Library.
The Venetian Custodianship
By the late 15th century, the manuscript resided in Venice's Dominican Monastery of Saints John and Paul. The monastery's impressive library was among the first monastic collections transferred to the Biblioteca Marciana for safekeeping, following concerning incidents of theft and dispersal of valuable works in the mid-18th century.
The Fate of the Illuminations
Despite protective measures, the codex's extraordinary illustrations proved too tempting for thieves. The illuminated pages were brutally excised and rapidly sold to members of the Russian court. Of the original artwork, only seven illustrations have survived to the present day, now preserved in Venice and Saint Petersburg.
The Renaissance Master's Touch
The surviving miniatures showcase the exceptional talent of Francesco Di Stefano, known as Pesellino, a prominent 15th-century Florentine artist. His work reflects influences from Filippo Lippi and Fra Angelico. Though his career was cut short by his early death, Pesellino's artistic legacy endures in prestigious institutions worldwide, including London's National Gallery, New York's Metropolitan Museum, Boston's Gardner Museum, and Washington D.C.'s National Gallery of Art.
We have 1 facsimile edition of the manuscript "On the Second Punic War": Silio Itálico de Nicolás V y Sus Miniaturas facsimile edition, published by Orbis Mediaevalis, 2010
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