THE PROPHET EZRA. From Codex Amiatinus, (8th Century)
Showing earliest Volumes in Bindings
Laurenziana Library, Florence (12 × 8)
At another time we examined the Medicean Virgil written on vellum, dating back to the fourth century, and the oldest Codex of the Latin poet.
“This is a veritable treasure for the classical scholar, is it not?” Biagi inquired. “While the Medicean collection remained in the hands of the Chapter of San Lorenzo some vandal cut out the first leaves. See,—the text now begins at the 48th line of the 6th Eclogue.”
I felt almost as if I were looking at a mutilated body, so precious did the manuscript seem.
“In 1799,” the librarian continued, “these sheets were carried to France as part of the Napoleonic booty. Later, through the good offices of Prince Metternich, under a special article in the Treaty of Vienna, the volume was returned to Italy. In 1816 a solemn festival was held here in Florence to celebrate its restoration to the Library. Such events as these,” Biagi added, “show you the place the book holds in the hearts of the Italian people. Look!” he exclaimed, pointing disgustedly at the stiff, ugly binding placed upon the Virgil in Paris during its captivity. “See how little the French appreciated what this volume really is!”
The Petrarch manuscript yielded me the originals of the famous portraits of Madonna Laura de Noves de Sale and of Messer Francesco Petrarca which had hung in my library for years; my friend’s comments made them assume a new meaning. The poet’s likeness so closely resembles other more authentic portraits that we may accept that of Madonna Laura as equally correct, even though the same opportunity for comparison is lacking. What could be more graceful or original than the dressing of the hair, recalling the elegance of the coiffures worn by the ladies of Provence and France rather than of Italy, even as the little pearl-sewn cap is absolutely unknown in the fashions of Petrarch’s native country. After looking at the painting, we can understand the inspiration for Petrarch’s lines:
Say from what vein did Love procure the gold
To make those sunny tresses? From what thorn