Fabled Manuscripts
It is hard to tell who Aesop really was, but hundreds of generations have read his Fables. And in 15th-century Italy, a group of prominent painters illustrated many of his tales in a lavish manuscript.
Alumina
Alumina is a quarterly Italian magazine specializing in illuminated manuscripts. It is written by specialists and academics in order to offer a deep exploration into the fascinating history of illumination.
Facsimile Finder shares the same laudable laudable mission as this prestigious magazine. Through a combination of the quality of information provided by Alumina and the reach of our blog, we are pleased to be able to offer focus, depth, and original insight into the world of illuminated manuscripts.
Magnificent Feats
Which illuminator gave life to Charles V’s military achievements through painting? An Alumina article sheds new light on a collection of 16th-century parchment leaves kept in the British Library.
A Peek Into Ottonian Splendor: The Bamberg Apocalypse
Between the 10th and 11th centuries, Germany became the center of European book illumination due to the brightly colored surfaces, sumptuous gold, and spiritual intensity of its manuscripts. Scroll down to see the video!
The Jewel in the Crown
King Martin I of Aragon (1356-1410) was so fond of art he supported the creation of paintings and manuscripts even in periods of financial distress. This Alumina article tells us more about his breviary, an exquisite example of international Gothic style.
The Golden Word
With its 60 pages of illuminated art, and over 500 initials, the Codex Aureus of Echternach is a true gem of the Ottonian era. This Alumina article unveils its history.
The Discovery of Love
Music is ethereal, but manuscripts go down in history. Volumes such as the Codex Manesse have preserved the texts of thousands of Medieval courtly songs. Find out more in today’s Alumina article!
A Beacon of Culture
If you are a book lover, you cannot miss this Alumina article about the Herzog August Bibliothek in Wolfenbüttel, whose vast collection has remained untouched for over four hundred years.
The Jewel of Renaissance Lombardy
Did you know that the illuminator of this precious book of hours helped Leonardo da Vinci paint the Virgin of the Rocks? Find out more in today’s Alumina article!
Under Dürer’s star
A fan of German book illumination? Don’t miss this Alumina article about Nikolaus Glockendon, one of the foremost artists of his time.
The Star of the Renaissance, Isabella d’Este Gonzaga
Today’s Alumina Article deepens the figure of Isabella d’Este Gonzaga, the Reinassance princess legendary for her art collection and education.