Dono d'Amore: Le Ore Capponi-Ridolfi.

Florence: Vallecchi, 207. One of 483 numbered copies of this facsimile of the Codice Riccardiano 483, Biblioteca Riccardiana of Florence. Miniature book (2 7/8 x 2 inches). 225 leaves plus the colophon. Publisher's red velvet with gilt and gauffered edges. Housed with the 64 pp. commentary volume in the publisher's silver box with ribbon ties. An excellent copy.This is a quality facsimile of the famous Florentine Book of Hours presented as a wedding gift to to Niccola di Andrea di Niccola Capponi and his wife Antonia di Battista di Luigi Ridolfi. The illumintor, Monte di Giovanni del Fora, made this masterpiece of Florentine illumination in the last quarter of the 15th century at the behest of two significant Florentine families of the cinquecento: Capponi and Ridolfi. "Measuring an unbelievable 6.6 x 5 cm, this precious manuscript is one of the smallest books of hours to survive to today. Nevertheless, its contents possess surprisingly lavish illumination. The 464 pages of the manuscript are embellished all over with grandiose painting. Miniatures of biblical tales, with scenes from the childhood of Jesus and the life of the Virgin Mary from the Annunciation and birth up to the events of the Passion illustrating the pages of the manuscript. Additionally, one finds wonderful initials and broad, ornamental borders with stylized leafy tendrils on the pages of this gem of illumination. "(ZIEREIS)