Genealogy of the Este Princes

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he original codex is presently dismembered into two fragments, kept in Modena and Rome. The Italian Ministry for the Cultural Heritage has promoted their virtual reunification by means of our facsimile edition, in order to bring out the national book patrimony and encourage its appreciation and research. The manuscript, unique in its genealogical and iconographical interest and as a history of dress, was intended as a noble "family album" to show to important guests as a way of underscoring the family's wealth, power and illustrious origins. 169 members of the Este dynasty are portrayed, belonging to the first four centuries of Este rule - from 1095 to 1479. The codex, executed by an anonymous artist (identified as Bonifacio Bembo or an illuminator of the Baldassarre d'Este circle), was broken up towards the end of the 18th century. One fragment came to the Biblioteca Estense in 1782. Only 111 copies of the printrun are for international distribution.

Italian illuminated manuscript on parchment, 1474-79 ca., 12 folios, cm 25x36, bound in velvet, with box; printrun: 333 copies. Commentary volume in Italian, includes the unabridged transcription of texts and essays by E. Milano, F. Niutta, M. M. Breccia Fratadocchi

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