Avicenna's canon medicinae
Artistry in medicine: The magnificent manuscript of Avicenna
The Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine, originating from northern Italy in the 15th century, stands as a monumental medical encyclopedia of its era. Spanning five volumes and five hundred thirty-two numbered parchment folios, this manuscript holds the prominent Hebrew translation of Avicenna’s work, offering profound insights into late medieval medicine. Notably, it’s adorned with exquisite miniatures and intricate decorations, combining vibrant color hues with intricate gold details.
Avicenna, also known as Ibn Sina, was a renowned polymath who lived in modern-day Iran between 980 and 1037 bce. His Canon of Medicine saw numerous translations and publications over centuries, representing the sole complete and widely popular Hebrew version, completed in 1279 by Natan ha-Meati.
This exquisitely crafted manuscript boasts ten large miniatures and nearly five hundred pages adorned with floral borders, zodiac signs, animal miniatures and golden frames adorned with intricate flower motifs. Revered paleographer Bernard de Montfaucon dubbed it Liber Avicennae elegantissimus (the most elegant).
Aligned with the medical manuscript tradition, Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine (MS 2197) portrays physicians in various scenes, conducting activities such as a wrist test, urine test, pharmacy operations and treating mental illness with medicinal herbs. Attributed to Leonardo da Besozzo and Cristoforo Cortese, these miniatures showcase vivid scenes, including a 15th century Italian pharmacy, allegorical representations, and depictions of mental illness.
Renowned for their rich hues, especially the brilliant emerald green contrasted with red, and the splendid depiction of natural landscapes, the miniatures within Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine are notable. The border decorations, reminiscent of French book painting, exhibit intricate floral and golden leaf motifs.
The text, composed in Italian cursive rabbinic script over two columns of fifty-six lines each, is attributed to Yshaq ben Obadiah ben David. The manuscript’s journey saw it held in the library of the Saint Dominic convent in Bologna until the late 18th century, whereupon it was taken to Paris during French occupation in 1796 and later returned to the Pontifical Library, now the University Library, in Bologna post-Napoleon’s rule.
Encased in a 16th century Moroccan leather binding adorned with sixteen Eglantine roses and embossed copper fittings, the codex exudes artistry and historical significance.
The facsimile edition of the Canon Medicinae 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:
Universitary Library of Bologna, ms. 2197.
LANGUAGE:
Hebrew.
FORMAT:
436 x 305 mm.
PAGES:
1.604 pages.
ILUMINATION:
10 full page miniatures and 498 pages illuminated with frames of plants and animals motives.
BINDING:
Bound in tool stamped embossed leather with bronze angles and clasps.
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