Urgell Beatus facts for kids
The Urgell Beatus is a very old and beautiful book from the 10th century. It is a special type of handwritten book called an "illuminated manuscript." This means it was written by hand and decorated with colorful pictures. It is also a commentary, which is like a detailed explanation of another book. The Urgell Beatus is kept in the Museu Diocesà de La Seu d'Urgell in La Seu d'Urgell, Spain.
Contents
What is the Urgell Beatus?
The Urgell Beatus is a famous example of a "Beatus" manuscript. These books are copies of a commentary written by a monk named Beatus of Liebana. He wrote his commentary on the Book of Revelation around the year 786.
During the Middle Ages, many copies of Beatus's work were made. These copies were often decorated with amazing pictures called miniatures. They were shared among monasteries and cathedrals. The Urgell Beatus is considered one of the most beautiful and complete of these special books.
A Look Inside the Ancient Book
Today, the Urgell Beatus has seven pages numbered with Roman numerals. It also has 243 pages with Arabic numbers. The book contains 79 detailed pictures, known as miniatures.
In the early 1900s, experts like HA Sanders and W Nieves studied this book. They wanted to understand its old writing style and its artistic importance. They also tried to find out more about its history.
Unlike some other "Beatus" books, the Urgell Beatus does not say who wrote or decorated it. It also does not say exactly when or where it was made. Most experts believe it came from a monastery in La Rioja, Spain, around the end of the 10th century.
Amazing Illustrations and Pictures
The Urgell Beatus is full of wonderful illustrations. There are 12 pictures in the first few pages of the book. Another 67 pictures are found in the part that explains the Book of Revelation. More than 11 pictures illustrate the commentary on the Book of Daniel. In total, there are 90 illustrations, including some round pictures that show family trees.
The Urgell Beatus and Its Journey
On September 29, 1996, the Urgell Beatus was stolen from the museum. However, the police found the book safe and sound on January 21, 1997, in Valencia. It was returned to the museum, where it remains an important treasure.
See also
In Spanish: Beato de Urgel para niños
