Combining scholarly knowledge of ancient sources and models and an innovative architectural technique, Alberti's treatise on architecture was composed in 1452. De re aedificatoria provided the Renaissance with an organized program for architectural design. By using new mathematical techniques and relationships found in musical harmony, Alberti achieved a balanced proportion which was emulated... The Chicago manuscript, which originated in Sicilian Italy during the last quarter of the fifteenth century, was probably produced by a large scriptorium, since as many as ten scribes collaborated on it. Large blue Roman initials were intended to mark the beginning of each section, but after the Introduction and Book I, the initials have not been painted in. This work has been rebound and binding fragments retained. See the Special Collections circulation desk for additional information. Collation: 32 gatherings, usually 10's, occasionally 8's and 6's. Layout: 25-41 long lines per page, varying with individual scribes and even within the writing of one scribe. Script: Brown ink; Italic hands written by a number of scribes. Scribal colophon on fol. 150v.
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