Aratea Vaticana
The Aratea Vaticana - A dizzling trip to the stars
A Representation of the Heavens in a Magnificent Journey to the Stars
The starry sky has always fascinated and inspired humanity. For this reason, astronomy is one of the oldest sciences – myths, rites, ruler cults, the cultic worship of celestial bodies, the development of calendar systems, and generally timekeeping were all tied to this science. Astronomy was also covered in various magnificent manuscripts, among which the Aratea Vaticana is one of the most beautiful. It features 42 masterful gold-framed miniatures of constellations and star signs.
Constellations in a Whole New Light
The manuscript was commissioned at the court of King Ferdinand I (1424–1494) in Naples. 42 colorful miniatures adorn the 100-page manuscript. In the 16th century, the manuscript entered the collection of Cardinal Maffeo Barberini (1568–1644), who later became Pope Urban VIII. Pope Leo XIII integrated the entire Barberini collection into the holdings of the Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana in 1901. The text was written in single-column format with dark ink in humanistic cursive on the finest parchment and decorated with numerous colorful, gilded initials.
A Panopticon of the Starry Sky
The Aratea Vaticana contains three texts: the prose version of Germanicus' translation of Aratea, the Naturalis Historia by Pliny the Elder, and De Astronomia by Hyginus. The manuscript begins with a frontispiece, followed by a magnificent illustrated page with a celestial map. The detailed and meticulously executed miniatures are interspersed within the text, each separated by a bold gold frame. The influence of Arabic and Greco-Roman iconography is clearly evident in the splendid depictions within the manuscript. This manuscript is an absolute gem of Italian Renaissance book art.
A Popular Model
Phaenomena, the didactic poem written around 370 BC by Aratus of Soloi, combines in classical hexameters the rather dry mathematical depiction of the movements in the starry sky with vivid statements about planets and weather signs, as well as myths about individual constellations. The liveliness and vividness of this very popular text were likely reasons for its numerous commentaries and translations. It was translated into Latin by Cicero, Avenius, and Germanicus, among others. This explains its continuous reception throughout the Middle Ages, reaching its peak in popularity during the Italian Renaissance. The Aratea Vaticana is one of those magnificent manuscripts in which this famous text is particularly richly illustrated.
Golden Constellations, Radiant Colors
The true-to-the-original facsimile edition of the manuscript Barb. lat. 76 of the Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana in Rome is available in a strictly limited edition of only 900 copies worldwide. A magnificent display page, the famous planisphere, and 39 golden miniatures, along with numerous initials, illustrate the fantastic Aratea on 100 pages in a format of 23.2 x 15.1 cm. The binding of the original, a richly embroidered velvet cover with the Barberini coat of arms, is faithfully reproduced. A splendid case protects the valuable facsimile volume.
The accompanying scholarly volume by Lola Massolo explores all aspects of the manuscript, traces its incredible history, and provides detailed explanations of all miniatures and initials.
"In the golden miniatures of the Aratea Vaticana, the brilliance of the stars is reflected, an eternal masterpiece that captures the splendor of the heavens on the pages of history."
Characteristics
The Aratea Vaticana | |
| Creation Year | 2nd half of 15th century |
| Place of Origin | Naples |
| Library | Vatican, Bibliotheca Apostolica Vaticana |
| Signature | MS 72087 |
| Extent | 100 folios |
| Miniatures | 40 miniatures |
The Edition
| The Aratea Vaticana | |
| Format | 23,1cm x 15,1cm |
| Limitation | 900 numbered copies |
| Bookbinding | richly embroidered velvet cover with the Barberini coat of arms |
| Publisher | Müller & Schindler |
| Item number | 72087 |
Questions and Answers
The Aratea Vaticana is a magnificent astronomical-astrological manuscript from the Italian Renaissance. It is known for its 42 masterful gold-framed miniatures depicting constellations and star signs, as well as its velvet binding embroidered on both sides.
The manuscript was commissioned at the court of King Ferdinand I in Naples in the 15th century.
In the 16th century, the manuscript entered the collection of Cardinal Maffeo Barberini, who later became Pope Urban VIII.
The Aratea Vaticana contains three texts: the prose version of Germanicus' translation of Aratea, the Naturalis Historia by Pliny the Elder, and De Astronomia by Hyginus.
The influence of Arabic and Greco-Roman iconography is clearly evident in the manuscript's illustrations.
The facsimile edition of the Aratea Vaticana is a true-to-original reproduction of the manuscript Barb. lat. 76 of the Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana. It is strictly limited to only 900 copies and includes magnificent miniatures, initials, and a richly embroidered velvet binding.
A planisphere is a celestial map showing the night sky. In the Aratea Vaticana, it is magnificently illustrated and forms an important part of the manuscript.
The original author of the didactic poem was Aratus of Soloi, who composed the work Phaenomena around 370 BC.
The didactic poem Phaenomena was popular because it combined the mathematical depiction of star movements with vivid statements about planets, weather signs, and myths about individual constellations. This liveliness and vividness led to numerous commentaries and translations.
The didactic poem was translated into Latin by Cicero, Avienus, and Germanicus.
The "Aratea Vaticana" is available through the Universal Art Group, which offers it as part of their commitment to disseminating culturally and historically significant works.
Use our online form or call us to learn more.
