Giovanni Treccani degli Alfieri - La Bibbia di Borso d'Este - 1455-1961
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Selected by Ilaria Colombo
Specialist in old books, specialising in theological disputes since 1999.
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La Bibbia di Borso d’Este is a two‑volume, red Morocco bound, gilt‑decorated facsimile edition from 1961, translated as an Italian language reproduction of the 15th‑century Borso d’Este Bible, with custodes, 1300 pages in total and volumes measuring 453 by 312 mm.
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Description from the seller
BORSO D’ESTE BIBLE – THE ILLUMINATED MASTERPIECE OF THE RENAISSANCE, IN TWO MONUMENTAL VOLUMES
One of the most extraordinary artistic enterprises of the Italian Renaissance comes vividly back to life in this monumental, complete reproduction of the Borso d’Este Bible. Two imposing folio volumes, bound in red morocco, enriched with gold decorations and a refined metallic stud, convey the splendor of the famous fourteenth-century manuscript. An exceptionally captivating work of visual allure, testimony to the magnificence of the Este court and the excellence of Italian illumination.
Giovanni Treccani degli Alfieri (1877–1961), industrialist, patron and publisher, played a fundamental role in recovering the original Bible, purchased in 1923 and later donated to the Italian State. Adolfo Venturi (1856–1941), one of the founders of modern Italian art history, devoted important studies to the national figurative heritage.
ABSTRACT
Prestigious complete facsimile edition of the Borso d’Este Bible, promoted and curated by Giovanni Treccani degli Alfieri, accompanied by documents and a historical-artistic study by Adolfo Venturi. Two large folio volumes, with magnificent reproductions of the original miniatures, luxurious editorial bindings in red morocco, gold decorations, metal studs, and original cases covered in velvet. An important editorial achievement dedicated to one of the most famous illuminated manuscripts of the fifteenth century.
WHY TO BUY
- Complete reproduction of one of the greatest masterpieces of Renaissance miniature painting.
- Prestigious edition, promoted by Giovanni Treccani degli Alfieri.
- Two monumental volumes in red morocco with gold decorations and ornamental studs.
- Exceptional iconographic apparatus, of great artistic, bibliographic and collectible interest.
MARKET VALUE
A high-end work intended for collectors of facsimiles, Renaissance art history, and specialized libraries. Commercial value mainly depends on the completeness of the two volumes, the condition of the bindings, and the presence of the original cases. 1,000 – 1,200 Euro
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION AND CONDITION
Two imperial folio volumes. Editorial bindings in red morocco with gold-impressed panels and lining, central ornamental metal stud in silvered and gilt metal, hand-finished, spined with raised bands with titles and coats of arms impressed in gold, endpapers in silk and gilt top edges. Original velvet-covered cases. Internally, splendid color reproductions of the fourteenth-century miniatures, with historiated initials, floral friezes, allegorical figures, animals, coats of arms, and gold-background decorations.
Volume I: [10] preliminary pages, 311 leaves, [3] leaves, 26 color plates.
Volume II: [7] preliminary pages, 292 leaves, [4] pages, 54 numbered pages 17–70, [8] pages, 24 color plates.
FULL TITLE AND AUTHOR
The Borso d’Este Bible. Complete reproduction promoted and curated by Giovanni Treccani degli Alfieri, with documents and a historical-artistic study by Adolfo Venturi.
Bergamo, Banca Popolare di Bergamo and Poligrafiche Bolis, 1961.
CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
The Borso d’Este Bible stands as one of the absolute pinnacles of Italian fifteenth-century illumination. Commissioned by Borso d’Este, lord of Ferrara and later duke of Modena and Reggio and duke of Ferrara, it was realized between 1455 and 1461 within the Este court’s artistic milieu. The original manuscript, now held at the Estense University Library in Modena, is famous for the extraordinary richness of its decorations and for the harmonious fusion of painting, calligraphy, and ornament. Its pages testify to humanistic culture and the political ambitions of the Este dynasty, which made artistic patronage a tool of prestige and representation. The 1961 reproduction allows appreciation of the entire figurative cycle of a masterpiece otherwise accessible only to scholars.
BRIEF BIOGRAPHY
Borso d’Este (1413–1471), son of Niccolò III d’Este, was a leading figure in court culture in fifteenth-century Italy. Under his rule Ferrara enjoyed an extraordinary era of artistic splendor. The Bible bearing his name represents one of the most ambitious literary commissions of the period. Important miniaturists contributed to its realization, including Taddeo Crivelli and Franco dei Russi.
PRINTING HISTORY
The 1961 edition represents one of Italy’s most prestigious facsimile reproduction initiatives of manuscript heritage. Published in Bergamo by Banca Popolare di Bergamo and Poligrafiche Bolis, it was conceived to restore in full the magnificence of the original Bible. The choice of large format, color reproductions, and sumptuous editorial bindings responded to the aim of creating a monumental work worthy of the Renaissance manuscript. The edition also stands as a testament to Italy’s early- to mid-20th-century art publishing tradition.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Adolfo Venturi, La Bibbia di Borso d’Este, historical-artistic study in the 1961 edition; Ulrich Thieme and Felix Becker, Allgemeines Lexikon der bildenden Künstler; Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani, entries on Borso d’Este, Taddeo Crivelli and Franco dei Russi.
Old books and works of art may show imperfections, stains, foxing, irregularities, and signs of use compatible with age and production methods.
This listing contains AI Visualizations for illustrative purposes. Refer to the original photographs to verify the object’s actual condition. The images are an integral part of the description."
Seller's Story
Luxury Books: Your Go-To Guide for Nabbing Literary Treasures!
Embarking on the thrilling journey of collecting rare and timeless printed works? Here's your snappy rundown, "The Collector's Cheat Sheet," to ensure you're not just flipping pages but stacking up the value:
1. Edition and Rarity: Rarity is the name of the game. First editions, limited printings, and books flaunting unique features like eye-catching illustrations or mind-blowing bindings? Consider them the VIPs of the collector's world.
2. Condition & Dimension: Picture this – a book in mint condition, untouched by the woes of wear and tear. Now, flip the script: wear, foxing, discoloration – they're the villains here. And don't forget to size up the dimensions, because a book's size matters in the collector's universe.
3. Authenticity: In a world of replicas and forgeries, verifying a book's authenticity is your superhero move. Expert examination and authentication – your trusty sidekicks in this quest.
4. Provenance: Who owned it before you? If the book has hobnobbed with famous figures or danced through historical events, its value skyrockets. Every book has a story, but some have blockbuster tales.
5. Demand and Market Trends: Think of book values as the stock market of the literary world. Stay savvy on collector trends and market shifts to ride the waves of value.
6. Subject Matter: Some topics are like fine wine – they get better with time. Dive into subjects with a timeless appeal or ride the wave of emerging cultural and historical relevance.
7. Binding and Design: Beauty is more than skin deep. Intricate bindings, stunning covers, and illustrations – these are the accessories that make a book runway-ready in the collector's eyes.
8. Association Copies: Books with a personal touch – whether it's a connection to the author or a famous personality – elevate the historical vibes. A book with a backstory? Count us in.
9. Investment Potential: Passion is the engine, but some collectors eye future returns. Keep in mind, though, that the book market can be as unpredictable as a plot twist.
10. Expert Advice: New to the game? Don't play solo. Seek wisdom from the book gurus, hit up book fairs, and join collector communities. We at Luxury Books are the Yodas of the rare book galaxy, helping you build collections that scream sophistication and cultural clout.
Because collecting rare books isn't just about dollar signs – it's a journey of preserving heritage and embracing literary treasures. Happy collecting!
Translated by Google TranslateBORSO D’ESTE BIBLE – THE ILLUMINATED MASTERPIECE OF THE RENAISSANCE, IN TWO MONUMENTAL VOLUMES
One of the most extraordinary artistic enterprises of the Italian Renaissance comes vividly back to life in this monumental, complete reproduction of the Borso d’Este Bible. Two imposing folio volumes, bound in red morocco, enriched with gold decorations and a refined metallic stud, convey the splendor of the famous fourteenth-century manuscript. An exceptionally captivating work of visual allure, testimony to the magnificence of the Este court and the excellence of Italian illumination.
Giovanni Treccani degli Alfieri (1877–1961), industrialist, patron and publisher, played a fundamental role in recovering the original Bible, purchased in 1923 and later donated to the Italian State. Adolfo Venturi (1856–1941), one of the founders of modern Italian art history, devoted important studies to the national figurative heritage.
ABSTRACT
Prestigious complete facsimile edition of the Borso d’Este Bible, promoted and curated by Giovanni Treccani degli Alfieri, accompanied by documents and a historical-artistic study by Adolfo Venturi. Two large folio volumes, with magnificent reproductions of the original miniatures, luxurious editorial bindings in red morocco, gold decorations, metal studs, and original cases covered in velvet. An important editorial achievement dedicated to one of the most famous illuminated manuscripts of the fifteenth century.
WHY TO BUY
- Complete reproduction of one of the greatest masterpieces of Renaissance miniature painting.
- Prestigious edition, promoted by Giovanni Treccani degli Alfieri.
- Two monumental volumes in red morocco with gold decorations and ornamental studs.
- Exceptional iconographic apparatus, of great artistic, bibliographic and collectible interest.
MARKET VALUE
A high-end work intended for collectors of facsimiles, Renaissance art history, and specialized libraries. Commercial value mainly depends on the completeness of the two volumes, the condition of the bindings, and the presence of the original cases. 1,000 – 1,200 Euro
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION AND CONDITION
Two imperial folio volumes. Editorial bindings in red morocco with gold-impressed panels and lining, central ornamental metal stud in silvered and gilt metal, hand-finished, spined with raised bands with titles and coats of arms impressed in gold, endpapers in silk and gilt top edges. Original velvet-covered cases. Internally, splendid color reproductions of the fourteenth-century miniatures, with historiated initials, floral friezes, allegorical figures, animals, coats of arms, and gold-background decorations.
Volume I: [10] preliminary pages, 311 leaves, [3] leaves, 26 color plates.
Volume II: [7] preliminary pages, 292 leaves, [4] pages, 54 numbered pages 17–70, [8] pages, 24 color plates.
FULL TITLE AND AUTHOR
The Borso d’Este Bible. Complete reproduction promoted and curated by Giovanni Treccani degli Alfieri, with documents and a historical-artistic study by Adolfo Venturi.
Bergamo, Banca Popolare di Bergamo and Poligrafiche Bolis, 1961.
CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
The Borso d’Este Bible stands as one of the absolute pinnacles of Italian fifteenth-century illumination. Commissioned by Borso d’Este, lord of Ferrara and later duke of Modena and Reggio and duke of Ferrara, it was realized between 1455 and 1461 within the Este court’s artistic milieu. The original manuscript, now held at the Estense University Library in Modena, is famous for the extraordinary richness of its decorations and for the harmonious fusion of painting, calligraphy, and ornament. Its pages testify to humanistic culture and the political ambitions of the Este dynasty, which made artistic patronage a tool of prestige and representation. The 1961 reproduction allows appreciation of the entire figurative cycle of a masterpiece otherwise accessible only to scholars.
BRIEF BIOGRAPHY
Borso d’Este (1413–1471), son of Niccolò III d’Este, was a leading figure in court culture in fifteenth-century Italy. Under his rule Ferrara enjoyed an extraordinary era of artistic splendor. The Bible bearing his name represents one of the most ambitious literary commissions of the period. Important miniaturists contributed to its realization, including Taddeo Crivelli and Franco dei Russi.
PRINTING HISTORY
The 1961 edition represents one of Italy’s most prestigious facsimile reproduction initiatives of manuscript heritage. Published in Bergamo by Banca Popolare di Bergamo and Poligrafiche Bolis, it was conceived to restore in full the magnificence of the original Bible. The choice of large format, color reproductions, and sumptuous editorial bindings responded to the aim of creating a monumental work worthy of the Renaissance manuscript. The edition also stands as a testament to Italy’s early- to mid-20th-century art publishing tradition.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Adolfo Venturi, La Bibbia di Borso d’Este, historical-artistic study in the 1961 edition; Ulrich Thieme and Felix Becker, Allgemeines Lexikon der bildenden Künstler; Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani, entries on Borso d’Este, Taddeo Crivelli and Franco dei Russi.
Old books and works of art may show imperfections, stains, foxing, irregularities, and signs of use compatible with age and production methods.
This listing contains AI Visualizations for illustrative purposes. Refer to the original photographs to verify the object’s actual condition. The images are an integral part of the description."
Seller's Story
Luxury Books: Your Go-To Guide for Nabbing Literary Treasures!
Embarking on the thrilling journey of collecting rare and timeless printed works? Here's your snappy rundown, "The Collector's Cheat Sheet," to ensure you're not just flipping pages but stacking up the value:
1. Edition and Rarity: Rarity is the name of the game. First editions, limited printings, and books flaunting unique features like eye-catching illustrations or mind-blowing bindings? Consider them the VIPs of the collector's world.
2. Condition & Dimension: Picture this – a book in mint condition, untouched by the woes of wear and tear. Now, flip the script: wear, foxing, discoloration – they're the villains here. And don't forget to size up the dimensions, because a book's size matters in the collector's universe.
3. Authenticity: In a world of replicas and forgeries, verifying a book's authenticity is your superhero move. Expert examination and authentication – your trusty sidekicks in this quest.
4. Provenance: Who owned it before you? If the book has hobnobbed with famous figures or danced through historical events, its value skyrockets. Every book has a story, but some have blockbuster tales.
5. Demand and Market Trends: Think of book values as the stock market of the literary world. Stay savvy on collector trends and market shifts to ride the waves of value.
6. Subject Matter: Some topics are like fine wine – they get better with time. Dive into subjects with a timeless appeal or ride the wave of emerging cultural and historical relevance.
7. Binding and Design: Beauty is more than skin deep. Intricate bindings, stunning covers, and illustrations – these are the accessories that make a book runway-ready in the collector's eyes.
8. Association Copies: Books with a personal touch – whether it's a connection to the author or a famous personality – elevate the historical vibes. A book with a backstory? Count us in.
9. Investment Potential: Passion is the engine, but some collectors eye future returns. Keep in mind, though, that the book market can be as unpredictable as a plot twist.
10. Expert Advice: New to the game? Don't play solo. Seek wisdom from the book gurus, hit up book fairs, and join collector communities. We at Luxury Books are the Yodas of the rare book galaxy, helping you build collections that scream sophistication and cultural clout.
Because collecting rare books isn't just about dollar signs – it's a journey of preserving heritage and embracing literary treasures. Happy collecting!
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Number of books
2
Subject
Art history, Bibles, Illustrated
Book title
La Bibbia di Borso d'Este
Author/ Illustrator
Giovanni Treccani degli Alfieri
Condition
As new
Publication year oldest item
1455
Publication year youngest item
1961
Height
453 mm
Edition
Reprint
Width
312 mm
Language
Italian
Original language
Yes
Publisher
Banca Popolare di Bergamo; Poligrafiche Bolis
Binding/ Material
Leather
Extras
Slipcase
Number of pages
1300
Style
Renaissance
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