Silius Italicus
Renaissance epic of Rome's grandeur: Stefano's masterpiece
The seven surviving pages from the Italian edition of Silius Italicus’ Punica, crafted by Francesco Di Stefano, stand as remnants of a 15th century masterpiece. This renowned ancient Roman poet’s epic narrative about the Second Punic War found a Renaissance revival and was splendidly adorned in this edition, once a prized possession of Pope Nicolaus V.
The surviving pages showcase allegorical figures of Rome and Carthage, portraits of Silius Italicus, Hannibal, Scipio Africanus, Pope Nicolaus V, and a depiction of Mars, the god of war.
Pope Nicolaus V owned an elaborately decorated codex of the Punica, part of his substantial collection, eventually held at the Dominican Convent of St. Peter and Paul in Venice.
Because of the exuberant beauty of the illustrations of the famous Silius Italicus, this codex was robbed of its illuminated pages, which were torn in a merciless manner to be sold and acquired quickly by members of the Russian court.
Unfortunately, only seven pages survived due to theft. These remnants, a testament to the original codex’s grandeur, are now housed in two collections: the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana in Venice and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg.
Crafted circa 1448 in Florence, these seven surviving pages, measuring 33 x 20 cm, bear the artistry of Francesco Di Stefano, also known as Il Pesellino, a significant artist of the Florentine Quattrocento. Influenced by renowned masters like Filippo Lippi and Fra Angelico, the pages showcase stunning full-page miniatures framed with magnificent decorative borders. They feature allegorical figures, portraits, and the god Mars in elegant Renaissance style, presented within bright alcoves.
Despite a short career due to an early demise, Di Stefano’s artistic legacy remains on display in prestigious museums globally, showcasing his remarkable talent. His works can be found in notable institutions like the National Gallery in London, the Metropolitan Museum in New York, the Gardner Museum in Boston, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
The facsimile edition of the Silius Italicus 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 499 books numbered and authenticated by notarial deed.
Details
Tech Sheet
DATE:
Half XV century.
ORIGINAL KEPT:
National Library of St. Mark’s (Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana), Inv. 1791 and
the State Hermitage Museum, Lat. XII, 68 –4519-.
LANGUAGE:
Latin.
FORMAT:
330 x 200 mm.
PAGES:
7 pages.
ILUMINATION:
7 fully illuminated pages enhanced with gold.
BINDING:
Spare sheets with an ellegant case.
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