Among saints and dragons

To mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisithe Lion Museum by Vercelli offers a fascinating exhibition itinerary set against the backdrop of the Hercules Hall by Alciati House. The exhibition sheds light on a previously unknown aspect of the founder’s personality Camillo Leone, revealing his intense passion for the bibliography and the Middle Ages alongside the well-known reputation of archaeologist.

The exhibition offers visitors a selection of exceptional quality, focusing on the spirituality and on the Franciscan culture, through the treasures held in its library. Among the key works, the following stand out: illuminated liturgical manuscripts, such as the precious manuscript illustrated by Giovannino from Genoa and the school textbook Neapolitan signed by the miniaturist Bonaventura of Split. There is no shortage of ancient manuscripts dating back to 13th century written by leading figures in medieval thought such as Angelo from Chivasso, Saint Bernardino of Siena e St Bonaventure.

A special focus on the link with local history is evident from the accounts from the Roman convent of the Clarisse, linked to the noblewoman Margherita from Maleto. The exhibition is rounded off by some exceptional incunabula embellished with illuminated initials, authentic testimonies to the historical transition between the’the art of miniatures and the birth of the print of the fifteenth century.