Divine Comedy - Urbinate Manuscript

Federico da Montefeltro (1422–82), Duke of Urbino was a great soldier and Renaissance humanist in equal measure
The Duke’s library comprised one of the greatest manuscript collections of the 15th century, exceeded only by the Vatican
The magnificent and gold-decorated miniatures originate from Guglielmo Girardi

Divine Comedy - Urbinate Manuscript

Ms. Urb. lat. 365 Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana (Vatican City, Vatican City State)

Description

Divine Comedy - Urbinate Manuscript

Dante Alighieri’s Divina Commedia is one of the most significant and influential literary works ever written. This outstanding manuscript was once part of the spectacular library of the Dukes of Urbino before entering the renowned Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, and it features exceptionally expressive and finely executed miniatures. It was created by Guglielmo Girardi at the behest of Federico da Montefeltro between 1478 and 1480 at the ducal court, one of the most important cultural centers of Renaissance Italy. The Duke of Urbino was a leading patron of the arts, known for his refined taste and for assembling one of the greatest manuscript collections of the 15th century. The present manuscript was undoubtedly a highlight of this distinguished collection, admired for its vivid, luminous colors, its carefully balanced compositions, and the elegant, meticulously written script of the scribe Matteo Contugi.

Divine Comedy - Urbinate Manuscript

The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri (1265–1321) is a magnum opus of medieval literature as well as the cornerstone of the modern Italian literary tradition. Following its completion in 1320, Dante’s crowning achievement was presented in numerous splendidly illuminated manuscripts, including the one at hand today. Known as the Dante Urbinate, it was created by Guglielmo Girardi at the behest of Federico da Montefeltro (1422–82), Duke of Urbino, between the years 1478 and 1480 at the ducal court. The Duke’s library comprised one of the greatest manuscripts collections of the 15th century and has survived to the present largely intact. This collection is protected today within the holdings of the Vatican Library because of an order issued on August 7th, 1657 by Pope Alexander VII (1599–1667). Also known by its shelf mark, Urbinate Latino 365, the work is a highlight of this famous collection, distinguished for its vivacious colors and neatly written text by the scribe Matteo Contugi. Scenes from the Inferno and Purgatory sections are noteworthy for their exceptional emotional impact, distinguishing this work as an exemplar of the artistic conception typical of the Renaissance.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: Il Dante urbinate della Biblioteca Vaticana
La Divina Commedia di Federico da Montefeltro
Divine Comedy "Dante Urbinate"
Codice urbinate latino 365
Dante Urbinate
Dante Alighieri: Göttliche Komödie - Urbinate Codex
Type: Manuscript on parchment
Size / Format: 602 pages / 38.7 × 24.1 cm
Origin: Italy
Date: Ca. 1480
Epochs: Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style: Renaissance
Genre: Literature / Poetry
Language: Italian
Illustrations: 3 full-page and 117 large miniatures richly decorated with gold and 97 ornamental borders
Artist / School: Guglielmo Girardi
Franco de' Russi

Available facsimile editions:

Franco Cosimo Panini Editore – Modena, 2021

Limited Edition: 590 copies

Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana (Vaticanstadt, Vaticanstadt) – Vatican City, 1965

Limited Edition: 1990 copies

Detail Picture

Divine Comedy - Urbinate Manuscript

Dante Saved by Virgil

Emerging from a dark wood with the sun setting in the background, Dante, dressed in blue, finds his path is blocked by a lion, a leopard, and a she-wolf. Each of the three beasts represents a different kind of sin: the self-indulgent, the violent, and the malicious; Hell is later divided according to these classifications. As he back away he bumps into the esteemed ancient Roman author Virgil, who saves Dante from the beasts and accompanies him on his journey to the underworld.

Single Page

Divine Comedy - Urbinate Manuscript

Dante and Beatrice

Dressed in green, Beatrice has taken over the role of guide from the pagan Virgil, who cannot enter Paradise. They are depicted within a triumphal arch before a bright blue sky with a shimmering sun, some zodiac signs, and flanked by cherubs, two playing instruments and standing above the initials “FE DUX” in gilded letters representing “Duke Federico”.

Aside from the first three stanzas of the Paradiso flanked by more cherubic musicians, this frontispiece is dedicated to the glory of the manuscript’s patron, Federico de Montefeltro. An ostrich with his motto on a banderole appears to the right of the text and his coat of arms is presented in the bas-de-page while the cornices and pilasters with lovely floral décor boast of his exploits.