After exploring the history of the manuscript of the Dante Urbinate, today we finally begin our journey into the Divine Comedy itself, and the best place to start is in the “dark wood” that opens…

Today marks the beginning of our journey of discovery through the pages of the Dante Urbinate, one of the most priceless masterpieces of the Renaissance. As we celebrate 700 years since the death of Dante,…

Illumination from the manuscript "Tresample description de toute la Terre Saincte", ms. Royal 20 A IV, f. 125v, ca. 1540, British Library, London.

Capital "Q", illumination from the manuscript "Gradualis sanctorum Ecclesiae Parisiensis pars V", ms. RES VMA MS-1415, p. 135, 1669, Département Musique, Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris.

Historically and mythologically speaking, being in a powerful position (and perhaps also a little “too good-looking”) often proved to be a double-edged sword for many women. While undoubtedly representing an advantage, it also made those…

Illumination from a Book of Hours (Paris), ms. Latin MS 164, f. 81r, ca. 1430, The John Rylands Library, Manchester.

The time has finally come for the very first Women’s Wednesday of 2021! Although historians have celebrated our first Mulier Clara of the year as a skilled writer and poetess, her work has sadly not…

Illumination from the Philibert de Viry’s Book of Hours, ms. lat. 367, f. 5r, beginning of the 16th century, Bibliothèque de Genève, Geneva.

Two sleepy parents and a very awake Child... in a way, this Nativity scene is not much different than what many of our houses will see on this Christmas morning! Folia Magazine wishes all of…

Illumination from the"Breviary of Queen Isabella of Castile", ms. Add MS 18851, f. 390r, circa 1497, British Library, London.