Aesop's Fables
Gothic grace: Intriguing narratives in vivid illuminations
The 14th century manuscript of Aesop’s fables, boasting one hundred forty-seven vividly colored miniatures, represents a stunning Gothic rendition. This work in Gothic script and Latin language offers tales where animals take on human-like behavior, depicted within ornate frames.
Aesop’s Fables have endured through the ages, establishing a distinct literary genre of moralizing tales. The most exceptional edition of these ancient stories emerged in Italy around 1489. Housed in Bologna’s university library, this remarkable manuscript is adorned with one hundred forty-seven exquisitely rich, colored miniatures accentuated with elegant gold leaf.
Aesop, the enigmatic ancient Greek poet, remains shrouded in mystery, with legends surrounding his life dating back to the 5th century B.C.E. While little is certain about his existence, Herodotus noted Aesop’s life in the 6th century B.C.E. as a poet and slave. His fables, rooted in myth and secular stories, presented parables focusing on human weaknesses such as envy, greed, and vanity. These tales, featuring animals, plants, gods, and familiar figures, conveyed explicit messages or cautionary allegories, impacting literature profoundly.
The 1489 Aesop’s Fables from the Biblioteca Universitaria di Bologna ranks among the most captivating editions of this influential poem globally. Though details about the artist and patron remain elusive, scholarly hypotheses point towards the involvement of a Lombard artist commissioned by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, a prominent figure of Milan’s ruling family. The manuscript’s artistic brilliance is evident in its depictions of animals, be it frogs, swans, or lions, capturing their postures and movements with finesse. The portrayal of natural and urban environments inhabited by both humans and animals exudes delicacy and detail. Human figures within the manuscript appear vivid and dynamic, showcasing the mastery of the artist. The miniatures, adorned with gold accents, reflect the designer’s forward-thinking and enlightened worldview, while the Latin text is complemented by marvelous initials, enhancing the manuscript’s artistic allure.
The facsimile edition of the Aesop’s fables 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 995 books numbered and authenticated by notarial deed.
Details
Tech Sheet
DATE:
XIV century.
ORIGINAL KEPT:
University Library of Bologna, ms. 1213.
LANGUAGE:
Latin.
FORMAT:
330 x 245 mm.
PAGES:
72 pages.
ILUMINATION:
147 miniatures of high iconographic interest.
BINDING:
Bound in french style with goat leather decorated with gold.
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