Divine Commedy - Gambalunga Codex

This impressive manuscript of Dante Alighieri’s famous magnum opus presents itself as an outstanding testimonial to the Dante-illustration of the Trecento. A commission of Iacopo Gradenifo – and also known as la Divina Commedia Gradenighiana after this Venetian poet – the manuscript was decorated by Cristoforo Cortese, the most significant late-Gothic Venetian miniaturist. In this way, one can still have the impressive experience of Dante’s Divine Comedy!

From the Hand of a Master of Illumination

The manuscript, originating in Venice in the 1390’s, is gorgeously embellished in the gothic style of illumination. The bright colors of the miniatures glow with precious gold, which is expertly inset for accentuation. For example, elegantly minimized but very expressive miniatures show the primary characters of the text and thus demonstrate the mastery of their creator: Cristoforo Cortese, the important late-Gothic Venetian miniaturist. Cortese made 23 miniatures for the manuscript. This visual adornment was expanded upon by additional paintings from the Master of the Brussels Initials, to whom are attributed the first page and a few other paintings in the book.

Outstanding Testimonial to the Trecento

The manuscript either arose ca. 1392/93 or 1399–1400 as a commission of the Venetian poet Iacopo Gradenigo, called il Belletto, who also gave directions for its precise design. The magnum opus of Dante Alighieri (1265–1321), the famous Divina Commedia, is accompanied here by a commentary by Jacopo della Lana. The Italian text of this milestone of world literature is wonderfully presented on 252, 39.5 x 25.5 cm pages. This edition of the Divine Comedy is an outstanding attestation of the Dante illustration of the Trecento!

A Variety of Owners and Names

Today the manuscript is a part of the Biblioteca Civica Gambalunga in Rimini. It is additionally named la Divina Commedia Gradenighiana after its famous patron. An additional stop in the library of Carol Malatesta earned the manuscript of the Divine Comedy an additional designation as the Codex Malatesta. Finally in the 18th century – in the year 1793 – it came into the Biblioteca Gambalunga as a part of the collection of Cardinal Joseph Garampi.