1440 ca., 70 folios,
cm 22x29.



ISBN 88-86251-39-4

Prezzo: € 1.450,00

 
LIBER PHYSIOGNOMIAE
Art and horoscopes in a pre-Renaissance treatise on astrology




Circa 1440, composed of II + 35 + II ff. = 70 pages, numbered with a red stamp from I to LXX, two sheets with flat astrolabes and moving indicators to find the horoscope, and two parchments; 22 × 29 cm, leather bound, Latin text in rounded Gothic.

The Liber Physiognomiae is a miscellany of medieval astrological and medical treatises, reviewed at the dawning of the humanistic age. The author of the texts, the illuminator and the purchaser are still unknown. The descriptions of the days and of the four seasons are followed by the twelve signs of the zodiac, one per page, drawn together with the text of the horoscopes outlining the character and the positive and negative events in the lives of men and women in relation to the period of birth. The water-coloured figures at the bottom of the page represent the influence of planets on mankind. The central and final parts of the codex are taken up with genealogical tables, the biblical text of the prophet Daniel’s dream (with astrological interpretations), and medical suggestions from Pietro d’Abano, whose lectures at the University of Padua in the early 1300s turn out to be the source of the Liber. The plates with water-coloured drawings are the work of an artist influenced by Pisanello. Scholars tend to think that the codex was made in Padua, given the direct references to the frescoes of Guariento in the Eremitani presbytery, but recent hypotheses, unsupported by proven sources but fairly likely, suggest the work was commissioned by Leonello d’Este.

Facsimile edition
This facsimile edition of the Liber Physiognomiae has been made at the same time as the restoration of the original, which was given a new leather cover with dry impressed borders and an astronomical plate. The edition is printed on Fabriano ‘Accademia’ paper, whilst the two membranous sheets of the original codex are in vellum paper. The sewing and the binding in stamped calfskin leather have been entrusted to skilled craftsmen. This world exclusive edition is limited to 999 numbered and certified copies. The 64 page paperback commentary contains the complete transcription of the Latin text and its translation, edited by Paola Di Pietro Lombardi, a historical essay on the codex by the same, an artistic study by Leandro Ventura and a historical contribution by Daniele Bini. The codex, commentary and certificate of authenticity are boxed together. Standard edition in open box (right in the picture): Customized edition in leather closed box, please contact by email the publisher (price 1350 €).



 
 
 

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