Legend of the Volto Santo
Legend of the Holy Relic: Medieval masterpiece
The Legend of the Volto Santo, an illuminated manuscript recounting the Middle French translation of Lucca’s “holy face”, stands as a prized relic in medieval Europe. Crafted around 1400-1405, most likely in Paris for Dino and Jacques Rapondi, it comprises a frontispiece and twenty-six large miniatures detailing the sculpture’s creation, journey to Lucca, and associated miracles. The frontispiece, a creation by the Master of the Coronation of the Virgin, is an exquisite addition to this manuscript.
The Volto Santo, a life-sized polychrome carved wooden crucifix residing in Lucca’s San Martino Cathedral, dates back to the late eighth century. Its origins lie in the legend of Nicodemus, the converted Pharisee, leaving the face of Christ uncarved and awakening to find it miraculously finished by angelic hands. The manuscript mirrors this tale with grace, depicting Nicodemus asleep, tools surrounding him, while an angel crowns the statue.
Commissioned by brothers of the Rapondi banking family, the manuscript reflects their role as advisers at the courts of France and Burgundy. Depicted in the opening miniature, the brothers kneel before the Volto Santo. Emblems of Lucca and the Rapondi family adorn the manuscript, symbolizing their association with the revered relic.
The visual narrative is embellished with miracles attributed to the sculpture upon its arrival in Lucca, including instances of the statue’s benevolence, such as gifting a silver slipper to a musician and other miraculous acts, depicted in various miniatures throughout the manuscript.
The manuscript’s fascinating history includes a journey from Heidelberg’s Bibliotheca Palatina to the Vatican Library due to the upheavals of the Thirty Years’ War. Despite some disorder in its pages, this richly illuminated codex remains a treasure in the Vatican Library, housing exquisite Gothic miniatures that capture the vividness and grandeur of the Legend of the Holy Face.
The facsimile edition of the Legend of the Volto Santo 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 997 books numbered and authenticated by notarial deed.
Details
Tech Sheet
DATE:
XV century
ORIGINAL KEPT:
Vatican Library, ms. Pal. Lat. 1988.
LANGUAGE:
Latin.
FORMAT:
350 x 240 mm.
PAGES:
100 pages.
ILUMINATION:
27 miniatures beautifully enhanced with gold.
BINDING:
Bound in cow leather with iron fittings.
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