Summary
Pope Francis received a 15th-century illuminated manuscript Bible, known as the Borso d’Este Bible, at the Vatican this week. Commissioned by Duke Borso d’Este of Ferrara in 1455-1461, it was created by Italian Renaissance artists including Pietro Paolo Marone and miniaturists Taddeo Crivelli and Franco dei Russi. The manuscript highlights how Scripture occupied a central position in public, cultural, and political life during the Renaissance era. Originally owned by the Este family until 1859 when Borso d’Este fled from Italy due to Italian unification, the Bible was subsequently with Empress Zita of Bourbon-Parma before it was acquired by businessman Giovanni Treccani and donated to the Italian State in 1923. Currently kept at the Estense Library in Modena, the manuscript is rarely displayed due to its fragility and value. The Vatican’s presentation serves as a reminder of the deep connection between faith, culture, and art during Renaissance times.
Key Topics
Pope, Borso d’Este Bible, Renaissance
