Pontificale of Bonifacio IX

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ne of the greatest art treasures of the Vatican Library in Rome, Pontificale of Bonifacio IX is an illuminated manuscript which contains the rituals and prayers of papal elections.

It is composed by 104 pages richly illuminated and is characterised, thanks to the great style of the illuminators, by lucent colours and gold.

The Illuminations

The codex was made during the time of Pope Bonifacio IX (1389-1404) and shows an extremely rich iconographic apparatus: most of pages are rich with illuminated initials, full of gold, and have a vivacity and colourfulness that secure for them a place in the history of illumination.

Its 104 pages in the original format of 31 x 22.5 cm are decorated with 11 full-page miniatures and most of the others are enriched by many luxurious initials.

The Storic and Artistic Value

The "Pontificale of Bonifacio IX” is an example of a very important historical document: the images, describing the old ceremonials, give us some really important details about the dressing and accessories used during liturgical celebrations.

This rare example of medieval history painting has survived the troubles of time without any damage. The exact reproduction of this masterpiece makes the work immortal and its conception of the world accessible to future generations. The facsimile edition is published in a unique, internationally limited series of 500 hand numbered copies using real, 23.5 ct gold.

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