History of the Destruction of Troy
Guido's Trojane epic: Renaissance masterpiece
Guido delle Colonne, a 13th century lawyer, poet, and historian, authored a Latin prose rendition of Benoît de Sainte-Maure’s epic on the Trojan War between 1270 and 1287. His elegant and morally instructive work, the History of the Destruction of Troy, not only narrates the tale of the Trojan War from the Argonauts, expedition to Ulysses, demise but also imparts ethical guidance to Christians, cautioning against beliefs in myths, legends, and magic.
Guido delle Colonne’s masterpiece gained immense popularity and profoundly influenced literary works for centuries. Its reach extended to the creations of renowned authors like Chaucer and Shakespeare. Regarded as the fundamental reference for the Trojan Legend throughout the Middle Ages, it surpassed the acclaim of its precursor, Benoît de Sainte-Maure’s epic.
Among the nearly one hundred manuscripts containing Guido delle Colonne’s Destruction of Troy, the 15th-century copy preserved in the National Library of Russia, St. Petersburg, stands out for its opulent decoration and vivid scenes. The manuscript boasts remarkable miniatures portraying battles, travels, and serene events, exhibiting exceptional artistry. The battle scenes, noted for their refined quality, are attributed to an illuminator distinct from the manuscript’s primary artist, likely reflecting a 14th century Italian style.
The manuscript’s history resurfaced in the 18th century when it fell into the possession of French bibliophile Jean-Louis Gaignant, eventually catching the attention of Catherine the Great. Ultimately acquired by the Strogánov family, the manuscript found its permanent home in the National Library of Russia in 1889, treasured as a cultural gem.
The facsimile edition of the History of the Destruction of Troy is complemented by a bookcase for its conservation and a complementary study book made by subject matter experts.
This facsimile is a unique edition of 400 books numbered and authenticated by notarial deed.
Details
Tech Sheet
DATE:
XV century.
ORIGINAL KEPT:
National Library of Russia, Lat. F.v.IV.5.
LANGUAGE:
Latin.
FORMAT:
288 x 222 mm.
PAGES:
302 pages.
ILUMINATION:
35 big miniatures enhanced with gold.
BINDING:
Bound in brown morocco leather.
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