The Hours of Isabella d’Este, for the use of Rome, in Latin, manuscript on vellum illuminated by Gherardo and Monte di Giovanni del Fora. Italy, Florence, c. 1490
This exquisite Book of Hours with 4 full-page miniatures and countless decorated initials, was created for Isabella d’Este (1474-1539), daughter of Ercole I d’Este, Duke of Ferrara. She later married Francesco Gonzaga, Marquis of Mantua. The coats of arms of both families are painted on the illuminated double page with the Annunciation to Mary in the bas-de-page (ff. 13-14r). This Book of Hours, reflecting the very heights of Renaissance book production, was possibly her wedding gift from Lorenzo de’ Medici.
Only a handful of books from this crucial library of Isabella d’Este are still traceable. Thus, manuscripts from this collection in private hands can be regarded as a noteworthy discovery. Only four of these were offered in the course of the 20th century and, apart from the manuscript offered here, there has not been another item on the market in the last fifty years.
Isabella was one of the most influential women of her time, not least due to her family's connections who stood in close contact with the most important rulers of Europe. Isabella had received an erudite education, and excelled in skills that were very unusual for a lady of her standing, like rhetoric and horse riding. Her father had ensured that all his children were educated to the same high standards. Isabella’s main interest were fine arts and literature and from a young age, she had her own library, rich in classical texts and equipped with a complete set of Aldines printed on vellum.
The outstanding miniatures and border decoration in this manuscript are the work of the Florentine painters, illuminators, mosaicists and engravers Gherardo (d. c.1497) and Monte di Giovanni (d. 1532/33). Gherardo executed the large miniatures, while Monte was responsible for the borders with their minute and detailed scenes. The Annunciation to the Virgin (f. 13v) reflects a painting by Leonardo da Vinci and Andrea del Verrocchio, which today is in the Uffizi Gallery. Gherardo may have copied this composition as a homage to his fellow artists.
It is reported that both artists illuminated manuscripts for the Hungarian king Mathias Corvinus and for Lorenzo il Magnifico. Since the two brothers work is similar, it is sometimes difficult if not impossible to tell their hands apart. They apparently were familiar with Netherlandish art, which becomes obvious in their naturalistic landscapes or the portrait-like features of their protagonists. The oeuvre of the del Fora brothers counts among the best artworks of their time, and represent the pinnacle of Florentine book illumination. The sumptuous, colourful and profusely populated compositions recall the paintings of Ghirlandaio and Botticelli.
