Dublin Core

Title

Divinarum institutionum libri septem

Identifier

RDS_DO_0267

Description

The RDS digital reproduction of Divinarum institutionum libri septem by L. Caelius Firmianus Lactantius, in a Renaissance manuscript written in Florence, Italy, circa. 1430. 

The seven books of the Diuinae institutiones, are the most important work by Lactantius, Christian author and advisor to Roman emperor, Constantine the Great.
They are an apologetic treatise that includes a defense of Christianity and a criticism of pagan religion, philosophy and morals.

In this Renaissance manuscript, each of the seven books has a sectional title in red script followed by an illuminated initial. The seven illuminated initials feature hues of gold, blue, yellow, green and brown, interwoven with illustrations of white vine.

The text is in Latin, with some interlinear Greek translation.

It is speculated that the book was inscribed by Niccolò Niccoli and another unknown scribe.

Rights

Copyright RDS Library & Archives. Publication, transmission or display is prohibited without formal written approval of the RDS Library & Archives.

Format

PDF

Language

Greek
Latin

Coverage

Florence, Italy

Text Item Type Metadata

Original Format

Manuscript

Collection:

RDS Rare Books


Citation

Lucius Caelius Firmianus Lactantius, “Divinarum institutionum libri septem,” RDS, accessed April 27, 2024, https://digitalarchive.rds.ie/items/show/4046.

File

RDS_DO_0267.pdf