Litterarum simulationis liber (Book of Cyphers)

Litterarum simulationis liber (Book of Cyphers)

This is the presentation copy of a work on cryptography made for Alfonso da Borgia (1378–1458) during his three-year reign as Pope Callixtus III. The text demonstrates two methods for encrypting text based on alternate words supplied in tables, to which both communicating parties would have exclusive access. During his brief pontificate, Callixtus was preoccupied with countering Ottoman Turkish advances in the Mediterranean, calling for a new crusade in the wake of the fall of Constantinople. The intricate bianchi girari or white-vine decorations, depicted here on the manuscript’s first folio, were created by Gioacchino di Giovanni di Gigantibus (act. ca. 1450–85). Originally from Rothenberg, this professional illuminator worked for members of the papal court from 1448 onward, and his involvement indicates that Zopello was in Rome to coordinate the production of his manuscript.

Author: Michele Zopello; Illuminator: Gioacchino di Giovanni di Gigantibus

1455–58

Manuscript on parchment, 20 fols.

University of Pennsylvania, Lawrence J. Schoenberg Collection, LJS 225

Probably made in Rome