The Metaleggio of the Codex Purpureus Sarzanensis
After centuries, a fifth-century gospel book brought back to life through technology
The Blu Oberon team organised the content and supplied the technology and support needed to make it possible to leaf through the Codex Purpureus Sarzanensis, a precious fifth-century gospel book written in gold and silver ink and adorned with exquisite illuminations in Tyrian purple.
Thanks to the Metaleggio, visitors can browse this extraordinary document with the greatest of ease. Technology has thus made it possible to overcome the difficulties of consulting the manuscript, which stem from its fragility and its dispersal.
The ease of use of this technological tool – a touch screen – finally allows visitors to enjoy an overall view of the Codex, something that was previously impossible.
The Codex Purpureus Sarzanensis is written on sheepskin parchment and enriched with purple dye. It is currently kept in the Episcopal Curia of Tortona.
It is made up of 72 sheets of parchment: they contain the final part of the Gospel of Luke and the first 13 chapters of the Gospel of John. The codex is further enhanced by a magnificent illuminated cover.