Acerba by Cecco d'Ascoli
A bitterly contested work, resolutely contended by its author, firmly judged by the church and the public as godless: the allegorical poem titled Acerba by Cecco d’Ascoli. The theories and statements on themes such as astronomy, physics, theology, and biology that were presented in five chapter were considered to be so outrageous by his contemporaries, that their author was burnt at the stake as a result. Today however, we know that some of his theses were correct!
Acerba by Cecco d'Ascoli
Cecco d’Ascoli (1269–1327) was a famous and controversial Italian poet, mathematician, and astronomer who was active as a professor at the University of Bologna inter alia. Due to his radical views – e.g. belief in demons and open criticism of great minds during his time such as Dante and his Divina Commedia – Cecco d’Ascoli continuously came into conflict with authorities and the church. Thus, he fled from Bologna and the punishment of the Inquisition to Florence. Nonetheless, there he was also steadfast in his controversial views and was finally condemned for godlessness. His fate was sealed on September 26th, 1327, when he was burnt at the stake in Florence.
An Allegorical Hymn to Creation
Ceccoli’s magnum opus, which finally sealed his fate, bears the name Acerba aetas and was first published in the year of his death, 1327. Divided into five books, the allegorical poem is concerned with questions of natural science and ethics, for example, it deals with the characteristics of animals or stones and describes natural phenomena in a bizarre and wonderful mixture of natural and fantastical elements. Aside from astronomy and meteorology, the subjects discussed include philosophy and psychology, ethics and theology, and much more.
A Lovingly Designed Manuscript
Originating from the second half of the Trecento at the behest of a wealthy patron and stored in the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana in Florence, the gorgeous manuscript’s text is illustrated with numerous miniatures. Large format depictions are integrated into the text and adorn it on many pages. Be they fantastic creatures, people, animals or other elements of the medieval universe, the book presents a handsome overview of the wonders of the cosmos! The colored miniatures of outstanding quality were complimented by elaborate initials with the finest ornamentation and colorful design.
Fought Against by Contemporaries, Admired by Successors
Yet, the picture of Cecco d’Ascoli and his scientific activity, which he bitterly defended to the end, has completely changed with the passing of the centuries. Early on, he recognized the function of numerous scientific processes, which were inexplicable to his contemporaries, e.g. the formation of fossils or blood circulation. Therefore, his work Acerba gives a testimonial to his unique and turbulent destiny!
Codicology
- Alternative Titles
- Liber Acerbe Etatis
Acerba di Cecco d'Ascoli
Acerba Etas
L'Acerba
The Acerba
Acerba von Cecco d'Ascoli - Size / Format
- 168 pages / 27.5 × 19.0 cm
- Origin
- Italy
- Date
- Second half of the 14th century
- Epochs
- Style
- Genre
- Language
- Script
- Gothic Textura Rotunda
- Illustrations
- 1 full-page heraldic depiction, 90 illustrations and diagrams, 102 fleuronnée initials
- Content
- Allegorical poem about nature, psychology and theology
- Artist / School
- Cecco d'Ascoli
- Previous Owners
- Giovanni Mazzuoli da Strada
#1 Acerba di Cecco d'Ascoli
Language: Italian
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