SCRIPTA MANEANT

The Shape of Beauty, the Essence of Art

The most important element in the propagation of the history of art is the quality of the images reproduced, and this is what defines Scripta Maneant Publishers. SM employs a unique approach in the creation of their volumes, presenting the finest Italian book craftsmanship in exclusive high-end collectible items for art lovers and experts alike.

This photographic excellence was first developed by Scripta Maneant with the ultra-high captures inside the Basilica of San Marco in Venice that resulted in two large luxury volumes featuring the Mosaics of the Basilica. This project allowed readers to view the golden mosaics in all their splendor – the different shades, details, and colours that often go unnoticed upon visiting the Basilica due to the height of its domes. This photographic result has made history in art publishing, and since then, Scripta Maneant has collaborated with numerous institutions creating exclusive 1:1 scale high resolution photographic endeavours.

Quality

One of the most successful engagements has been the exclusive ultra-high gigapixel photography of the entirety of the Sistine Chapel, which cemented the elevated standard of Scripta's publications for their intrinsic quality and high-end methodologies. The details in 1:1 scale of Michelangelo's masterful frescoes for the ceiling and Last Judgment as well as the fifteenth-century wall frescoes allow readers to view details up close thanks to the large format of the volume and its macro images, including brushstrokes and pictorial elements that are impossible to see in person.

The Italian art patrimony, known for its vast repertoire of world-renowned masterpieces, holds symbolic, academic, and historical value, and has contributed to the study and evolution of the History of Art in all its forms. Scripta Maneant has documented these works by publishing exclusive and never-before printed books on each subject.

Some of these accomplishments include the full in-depth documentation of the Duomo at Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, the Baptistry of St. John and Giotto's Bell Tower. The volume on Brunelleschi's Dome features never-before-seen close up images of the frescoes. The same may be said with regard to the volume on the Scrovegni Chapel by Giotto in Padua, that showcases the 1300s frescoes, now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that have been replicated in such detail as only Master Giotto himself could have seen them.

The Ministry of Commerce of "Made in Italy" has granted Scripta Maneant a specific patent for the company's unprecedented methods of photographic capture, including innovative lighting techniques, equipment, and technical expertise. The result of these exclusive photographic achievements is the publication and distribution of the most important works in the history of art in facsimile fascinating collectible books.

Craftsmanship

Produced with a high level of craftsmanship and handcrafted techniques by using precious materials – from high quality cotton paper to leather binding – the creation of Scripta Maneant's collectors' editions is supervised by the highest academic experts, artisans, and intellectuals. The large format Volumes are around 43,5 x 61 cm in dimension. The pages are in parchment paper coated by hand-tanned parchment paper, cleaned with a cork spatula according to a 16th century process, with handmade spines in leather with six nerves and heated gold impressions.

All Great Masters are highlighted in the collection: Leonardo, Raffaello, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Caravaggio, Artemisia Gentileschi and more, yet also include the famous Italian fashion designers of the 20th century such as Missoni and Pucci. The fashion editions feature original textile elements from the fashion houses, notes from the personal diaries of the designers, and sketches from their archives. A third collection is dedicated to Italian Opera Theatres, which have been completely rephotographed, and display distinctive material; original scenographic drawings, costumes, and archival documents.

They have also published a book on the Amerigo Vespucci Ship, a prestigious emblem of Italian engineering and seafaring design, which is encased in a handcrafted box set that includes the book, a celebratory medal in different metals, and an exclusive watch.

Scripta Maneant's works have been created to establish a direct connection between the reader and the works of art through all the senses, by touching precious materials, viewing unpublished images, whilst listening to the echoes of the Masters' which still speak to us through their work across time. Art and beauty are combined to cause the reader to experience astonishment and wonder thanks to a series of collectible items which are as unique as they are inspiring.