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Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript

Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)

Naples (Italy) β€” Ca. 1370

Dante's depictions of hell, purgatory and heaven in expressive miniatures and with subtle gold decoration: the Divine Comedy in an unfinished yet sumptuous codex with 58 elaborate bas-de-page illuminations

  1. The magnum opus by Dante Alighieri (ca. 1265–1321) is a cornerstone of Italian illumination

  2. The 100 cantos are accompanied by 58 expressive bas-de-page miniatures, 10 of which are unfinished

  3. The manuscript is one of the most beautiful and important works of 14th century Neapolitan illumination

Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript

MS Add. 19587 British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
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Description
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript

This ornate copy of Dante's magnum opus was produced in Naples around 1370 and is one of the most beautiful manuscripts of the Divina Commedia, although its wonderful Trecento illumination remained unfinished. Only 48 bas-de-page miniatures were completed by an unknown master. They are finely executed, lovingly colored and enhanced with a subtle use of gold leaf. The main roles in all the scenes are taken by Dante and his ancient guide Virgil, who leads him through the three realms of the world beyond, Hell, Purgatory and Paradise. Furthermore, the Incipit page of the Purgatorio delights with a magnificent border, a large historiated initial and a framed miniature, while the preliminary sketches of the unfinished bas-de-page scenes provide an fascinating insight into the production of medieval manuscripts. Also noteworthy is the last page of the codex, which contains entries on the births and deaths of the Italian noble family Monforte, who ruled the county of Biseglia near Naples in the 15th century and were in possession of the manuscript at the time.

Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript

The Divine Comedy is the famous major work of the Italian poet Dante Alighieri (1265-1321). He worked for over 10 years on this piece of world literature consisting of 100 cantos, which is an allegory for the soul's search for God. In three parts of roughly equal length, Dante undertakes a literary journey in the first person through the three realms of the world beyond: Hell (Inferno), Purgatory (Purgatorio) and Paradise (Paradiso). He encounters numerous historical, biblical and mythological figures along the way. His guide through the first two books is Virgil, whom he greatly admires. However, as he comes from pre-Christian times and is therefore not baptized, he is replaced in Paradise by Beatrice, who represents Dante's ideal of women, and later Bernhard of Clairvaux.

Numeric Symbolism

The structure of the work, dominated by the number three, refers to the trinity of God the Father, Christ and the Holy Spirit. The poem is not only divided into the three books mentioned, it was also written by Dante in tercets, also known as terza rima, a three-part verse format that the poet strongly influenced and perhaps even invented. In addition, each book consists of 33 cantos, with a prologue preceding the Inferno. The number 33 was usually interpreted in the Middle Ages as a reference to Christ, as Jesus is said to have suffered his death on the cross at that age.

A Neapolitan Copy

The Manuscript Add. 19587 from the British Library, was written about 50 years after the completion of the Opus Magnum. A talented scribe copied the work of poetry around 1370 in Naples in a neat Gothic rotunda, with each page being taken up by just one column lightly applied to the parchment. 17 pages were added later by a less skilled scribe. Each tercet stanza begins with a majuscule set off to the left, the chants are introduced by extensive Latin rubrics in red ink and a golden champie initial each.

Unfinished Bas-de-Page illuminations

58 pages were provided with artful bas-de-page miniatures by a virtuoso illuminator in a Florentine style, although the illumination was never completed. Only the first 48 scenes of the Inferno and Purgatorio were worked out in detail and softly colored with great skill. Dante and Virgil can be seen in every miniature, Virgil always leading the blue-robed Dante. They are usually depicted slightly larger than the other figures, which emphasizes Dante's journey in relation to the individual events.
10 bas-de-pages are prepared merely as sketches and are also found in the second book on Purgatory, so that the cantos to Paradise remain completely unilluminated. The inspiration for the miniatures, which are nevertheless of the highest quality, may have been the Codex Filippino, also created in Naples, a copy of the Divina Commedia from around 1350 decorated by an other Florentine illuminator.

Codicology

Alternative Titles
La Divina Commedia Add. Ms. 19587
Dante Alighieri: GΓΆttliche KommΓΆdie - Codex Add. 19587
Size / Format
354 pages / 36.5 Γ— 24.5 cm
Origin
Italy
Date
Ca. 1370
Style
Gothic
Script
Gothic Textura Rotunda
Illustrations
58 bas-de-page miniatures, 10 of which are unfinished, one page with a historiated initial and an opulent border, as well as numerous decorated initials
Content
Dante's Divine Comedy
Previous Owners
Monforte family
Edward Craven Hawtrey
British Museum
Available facsimile editions:
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
#1 La Divina Commedia Add. Ms. 19587
Imago – Castel Guelfo, 2022
Limited Edition: 300 copies
Detail Picture

Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript

Virgil Appears to Dante

In the first canto, which functions as a prologue to the work, Dante loses his way in a dark forest that leads him to the Mountain of Virtue. Full of hope, he sees the sun rise over the mountain ridge, which he then wants to climb. However, a panther, a lion and a she-wolf get in his way. As he is pushed back by the terrifying animals, Virgil appears to him, clearly recognizable here as a vision sent by God through the golden mandorla surrounding him. He helps Dante out of his predicament and leads him on the arduous journey to paradise.

Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Single Page

Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript

Incipit to Book 2 - Purgatorio

The first canto of Purgatorio begins with a sailing metaphor: having just escaped from hell, Dante and Virgil now set sail for more gentle waters. This image is taken up in the historiated initial 'P' at the beginning of the page, which shows the two poets in a small sailing boat.

The ornate page is completely framed by a lavishly gold-decorated border of geometric and floral elements in blue, red and green. Small medallions and quatrefoils embrace nude human figures and three coats of arms of the Rinaldeschi family, while several rabbits frolic around the framed bas-de-page miniature. Here, an angel cradles the naked souls of people pleading for mercy.

Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Facsimile Editions

#1 La Divina Commedia Add. Ms. 19587

Imago – Castel Guelfo, 2022
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom)
Divine Comedy - Add. 19587 Manuscript – Imago – MS Add. 19587 – British Library (London, United Kingdom) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles

Publisher: Imago – Castel Guelfo, 2022
Limited Edition: 300 copies
Binding: Dark blue leather with gold embossing; dark blue linen slipcase
Commentary: 1 volume
Language: Italian
1 volume: Exact reproduction of the original document (extent, color and size) Reproduction of the entire original document as detailed as possible (scope, format, colors). The binding may not correspond to the original or current document binding.
Facsimile Copy Available!
Price Category: €€€
(3,000€ - 7,000€)
Inquire current price here or ask a different question
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