Borso d'Este Bible facts for kids
The Bible of Borso d'Este is a very special, handmade book from a long time ago. It has two parts, like two big volumes. Famous artists, especially Taddeo Crivelli, drew amazing pictures in it. They worked on it from 1455 to 1461. Today, you can find this incredible book in a library in Modena, Italy, called the Biblioteca Estense.
Contents
A Book for a Duke
This Bible is one of the most famous illuminated manuscripts from the Renaissance period. The Renaissance was a time of great art and learning in Europe. This special book was made for Borso d'Este. A Duke was a powerful ruler, like a prince, who governed a specific area. Borso d'Este was the Duke of a city called Ferrara in Italy.
How the Bible Was Made
It took a team of artists six years to create this Bible. The main artists in charge were Taddeo Crivelli and Franco dei Russi. They worked very carefully to make every page beautiful.
The Bible's Journey
This precious Bible has traveled a lot!
- In 1598, it was moved from Ferrara to Modena.
- It stayed in Modena until 1859.
- Then, a ruler named Francesco V took it out of Italy with other valuable treasures.
- During the First World War, an important person named Giovanni Treccani bought it. He made sure it came back to Italy.
- Giovanni Treccani then gave the Bible to the library in Modena.
What the Bible Looks Like
Every single page of the Borso d'Este Bible is a work of art.
- Each page has a fancy border around the edges. These borders are made of swirls and other beautiful designs.
- The words of the Bible are written in two columns on each page.
- The artists drew many small scenes in the margins, especially at the bottom of the pages. These scenes often look like they have depth, just like paintings from that time.
- You can also find tiny pictures between the columns of text. These are usually next to the first letter of a new section, which is often very large and decorated.
- In the swirly parts of the borders, artists often drew animals. These animals are very lively and imaginative. They sometimes represent symbols of Borso d'Este and his family.
Making Copies of the Bible
In 1923, the businessman Giovanni Treccani bought the Borso d'Este Bible in Paris. He paid a huge amount of money for it, about 5 million Italian lire! He bought it to stop it from being sold to someone in America. After buying it, he gave it to the Kingdom of Italy. Because of his efforts, many other copies of this amazing Bible have been made. This allows more people to see and study its beauty.
Images for kids
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Animals drawn in the Bible.
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More animal drawings from the Bible.
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Detailed animal art.
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Another example of animals in the Bible.
See also
In Spanish: Biblia de Borso de Este para niños
