Book of Hours of Gregory XIII - Art Codex

The precious manuscript Vat. Lat. 3767, Office of the BVMaria (more commonly known as the Book of Hours) was donated to the Vatican Library by Pope Gregory XIII on November 5, 1578. The exquisite French decoration in opaque or colored gold bands, featuring branches, foliage, flowers, animals, and fantastic figures, makes it one of the richest and most ornate books of hours. The elegant gold-leaf initials are brilliant and reflect the light. The large miniatures are the work of artists with a delicate and refined hand and depict scenes from the lives of the saints and the Gospel.

The gold decoration, rendered with the patented ArtCodex® system of applying gold leaf and powder, appears in relief as in the original codex, as if it had undergone the effects of time. Every detail is faithfully reproduced, from the burin workmanship to the gold designs, from the gold powder worked with a brush to the gilding with gold leaf: the splendid effect achieved is that of a harmonious chromatic fusion between the gold details and the brilliant iconographic elements of the miniatures.

The binding, carried out in workshops that still use manual presses, consists of hand-stitching the headband and leaves, fully respecting the edges and binding of the manuscript. Stitching and reinforcements are inserted, meticulously following the characteristics of the original. The exquisite leather cover, with hot-stamped gold engravings, is aged manually using special patina processes.

The transaction takes place with maximum security for both the seller and the buyer. We take care of the conformity (provenance, authenticity, state of conservation) of the work and handle the shipping.
Returns are possible no later than 14 days after receiving the order.