Divine Comedy - Urbinate Manuscript

Divine Comedy - Urbinate Manuscript

The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri (1265–1321) is a magnum opus of medieval literature as well as the cornerstone of the modern Italian literary tradition. Following its completion in 1320, Dante’s crowning achievement was presented in numerous splendidly illuminated manuscripts, including the one at hand today. Known as the Dante Urbinate, it was created by Guglielmo Girardi at the behest of Federico da Montefeltro (1422–82), Duke of Urbino, between the years 1478 and 1480 at the ducal court. The Duke’s library comprised one of the greatest manuscripts collections of the 15th century and has survived to the present largely intact. This collection is protected today within the holdings of the Vatican Library because of an order issued on August 7th, 1657 by Pope Alexander VII (1599–1667). Also known by its shelf mark, Urbinate Latino 365, the work is a highlight of this famous collection, distinguished for its vivacious colors and neatly written text by the scribe Matteo Contugi. Scenes from the Inferno and Purgatory sections are noteworthy for their exceptional emotional impact, distinguishing this work as an exemplar of the artistic conception typical of the Renaissance.