On the history of Illuminated Manuscripts and their Facsimiles

New Video: Divina Commedia Strozzi 152 Facsimile Edition

Once upon a time only dukes, popes, and princesses could hold a priceless artifact like the Divina Commedia Strozzi 152 in their hands. Today, facsimiles allow you to leaf through them — well, at least virtually! So what are you waiting for?

New Video: Oxford Bible Pictures Facsimile Edition

Once upon a time only dukes, popes, and princesses could hold a priceless artifact like the Oxford Bible Pictures in their hands. Today, facsimiles allow you to leaf through them — well, at least virtually! So what are you waiting for?

Detail of the Bamberg Apocalypse

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!

New Video: Vita Mathildis Facsimile Edition

Once upon a time only dukes, popes, and princesses could hold a priceless artifact like the Vita Mathildis in their hands. Today, facsimiles allow you to leaf through them — well, at least virtually! So what are you waiting for?

New Video: Menazilname Facsimile Edition

Once upon a time only dukes, popes, and princesses could hold a priceless artifact like the Menazilname in their hands. Today, facsimiles allow you to leaf through them — well, at least virtually! So what are you waiting for?

Detail of the Menazilname

On the Footsteps of an Ottoman Sultan

Are you ready to travel five centuries back in time? Pack your walking shoes, open our interactive map, and let's follow the Ottoman troops in 16th-century Baghdad, Tabriz, and Aleppo. Scroll down to see the video!

New Video: Codex Zouche-Nuttall Facsimile Edition

Once upon a time only dukes, popes, and princesses could hold a priceless artifact like the Codex Zouche-Nuttall in their hands. Today, facsimiles allow you to leaf through them — well, at least virtually! So what are you waiting for?

New Video: Muhibbî Dîvânı Facsimile Edition

Once upon a time only dukes, popes, and princesses could hold a priceless artifact like the Muhibbî Dîvân? in their hands. Today, facsimiles allow you to leaf through them — well, at least virtually! So what are you waiting for?

New Video: Bible of Borso d’Este Facsimile Edition

Once upon a time only dukes, popes, and princesses could hold a priceless artifact like the Bible of Borso d'Este in their hands. Today, facsimiles allow you to leaf through them — well, at least virtually! So what are you waiting for?

Detail of the Muhibbi Divani

Poems in Bloom: Unraveling a Sultan’s Quest for Love

Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent was not just a powerful statesman, but also a sensitive and emotional poet: in the Muhibbî Dîvânı manuscript, his verses are encased within an intricate artwork made of 370 different flower and plant patterns. Scroll down to see the video!

New Video: Book of Drolleries – The Croy Hours Facsimile Edition

Once upon a time only dukes, popes, and princesses could hold a priceless artifact like the Book of Drolleries - The Croy Hours in their hands. Today, facsimiles allow you to leaf through them — well, at least virtually! So what are you waiting for?

New Video: Missale Remense Facsimile Edition

Once upon a time only dukes, popes, and princesses could hold a priceless artifact like the Missale Remense in their hands. Today, facsimiles allow you to leaf through them — well, at least virtually! So what are you waiting for?

New Video: Moskauer Stundenbuch Facsimile Edition

Once upon a time only dukes, popes, and princesses could hold a priceless artifact like the Moskauer Stundenbuch in their hands. Today, facsimiles allow you to leaf through them — well, at least virtually! So what are you waiting for?

Detail of the Menazilname

Istanbul Through the Eyes of an Ottoman Miniaturist

If you ever wondered what Constantinople looked like in the 16th century, check out this Ottoman-era manuscript, as kaleidoscopic as the city itself. You can even compare past and present with our interactive map!