‘Mona Lisa’ of Illuminated Manuscripts Goes on Display in Italian Senate

Rare Renaissance Bible Brought to Rome for Vatican Jubilee

One of the Renaissance's most celebrated illuminated manuscripts — a richly decorated Bible commissioned by Borso d'Este, Duke of Ferrara and Modena — is on display in the Italian Senate as part of the Vatican's Jubilee celebrations. Rarely shown to the public, the volume's miniatures are lavishly worked in gold and deep-blue pigment made from Afghan lapis lazuli, a material prized for its vivid color and great expense.

Often called the "Mona Lisa of illuminated manuscripts," the Bible was produced to honor the sacred text and to project the prestige and dynastic image of the Este family. It is normally held at the Gallerie Estense in Modena and is only lent out on exceptional occasions.

"It was meant to celebrate not only the sacred book par excellence but also the elevated idea [Borso d'Este] had of himself and his dynasty," said the director of the Gallerie Estense in Modena, speaking to The Associated Press.

This temporary exhibition offers scholars and the public a rare opportunity to admire the manuscript's exquisite craftsmanship and to reflect on the role of art and patronage in Renaissance courts.