Divina Commedia Di San Bernardo. Codice 9, Biblioteca Del Seminario Vescovile Di Padova Secolo XIV (Seconda Meta`)

Rimini: Imago. Near Fine with no dust jacket. 2017. Limited Edition. Leather. 8890083190 . Limited Edition of 300 of which this is 69. Folio in blind stamped pale peach leather with clasps, in a cream linen box. Condition of the book and the box are near fine. 25.6 x 37.6 cm, unnumbered 167 ff (334 pp). A stunning facsimile edition of the Divine Comedy held at the Seminary Library at Padua, acquired by their librarian in 1720 as part of the book collection of the Paduan count Alfonso Alvarotti. It is profusely and richly illustrated in gold foil and colours, with large illuminations at the beginning of each of the three canticles, consisting of historiated initials, surrounded by a frieze of vines, flowers, and “drolleries” of human and animal figures. As well, there are large and glorious initials on many of the pages. The illustrations , which cleverly echo the part of the story they are illuminating, are unusual and a bit mysterious. The production of the manuscript has been dated to the second half of the 14th century and some suggest the illuminations were done in Umbria, with other scholars suggesting Perugia, while others reject a southern source. Research is ongoing but, whatever the location of the artist or artists who produced the decorations, there is no doubt about their skill and exquisite vision. As is usual with the Rimini/Imago facsimiles, the paper used is beautiful old paper treated to look as much like the original as possible. The leather bindings are meticulously handcrafted and hand sewn. And the condition of this example is near fine, with only the slightest evidence of any wear. A truly beautiful book and a scarce one, with only 300 copies made. Also contains the explanatory booklet. OCLC 1004270323; Folio 13" - 23" tall; 334 pages .