Breviary of Ercole d'Este

Breviary of Ercole d'Este

The so-called Breviary of Ercole d'Este is one of the highpoints of Ferrara’s 16th century illumination. Originating from the year 1502 to 1504, it is presented in an exuberant vestment of fantastic illumination: small miniatures, grandiose decorative frames, and countless initials alongside embellishing, artful ornamentation. Matteo da Milano and Tommaso da Modena were the artists responsible for this splendor, significant representatives of the miniature painting of the time. The Breviary of Ercole d'Este is an impressive testimonial to the cultural heyday of Ferrara under his rule!

An Art-Oriented Duke

Ercole d’Este (1431–1505) was the Duke of Ferrara beginning in 1471. Under his direction, the Duchy of Ferrara developed into a commercial and cultural center in Italy. The most important artists were employed by Ercole. A particularly impressive testimonial of this great artistic age is the Duke’s personal prayer book, measuring 38 x 27 cm, it is unusually large and is representative of monumental manuscripts!

The Miniaturist of Popes and the Medici

The most important of Ferrara’s miniaturists were commissioned by the Duke: Matteo da Milano and Tommaso da Modena. Matteo da Milano (active 1492–1523) is considered to be the greatest miniaturist of his time and as such stood not only in the service of the Este in Ferrara, but also the Medici in Florence, and the Orsini in Rome, in addition to many other important patrons and even a few popes! Andrea della Vieze supported the work on the manuscript as a scribe. The late-Renaissance work of art was completed and presented to the Duke in 1504.

Impressive Paintings

The illumination of the breviary is composed of splendid frames, gorgeous calendars, and manifold miniatures – 45 full- and 11 half-page miniatures, as well was 40 smaller scenes – and an unbelievable 17,160 initials, 308 of which were gorgeously historiated. A precious gold background gleamed everywhere. The range of topics includes depictions of saints and biblical scenes. References to the patron and to Ferrara appear continuously, both in coats of arms and other heraldic symbols.

A Masterpiece of Ferrara’s Book Art

The manuscript is consistently distinguished by its stylistically and technically grandiose painting and is wonderfully supplemented by the beautiful Latin text. Arranged in two columns, it is characterized by the use of multicolored inks in black, red, and blue and the exquisite decoration of the fine ornamentation. Presented in this consummate splendor, the Breviary of Ercole d'Este is one of the highlights of the collection of the Biblioteca d’Este in Modena, which rests on the foundations of the famous library of the Dukes of Ferrara.