May 3 – A facsimile copy of the Grimani Breviary, the Renaissance illuminated manuscript whose original is kept in the Biblioteca Marciana in Venice, was donated by the Veneto Region to the Bavarian National Library of Munich. Completed between the late ‘400 and early ‘500 the manuscript is one of the finest examples of Flemish art. It was purchased in 1520 by Cardinal Domenico Grimani, who bequeathed it in 1523 to the Republic of Venice. For centuries it has been kept in the “Treasure of S. Marco” and it was later transferred to the Biblioteca Marciana in early 1800s. The facsimile reproduction, made by Salerno Editrice with the support and contribution of the Region, is a perfect duplicate of the original. A copy is also stored at Palazzo Balbi, home of the county council, where it is shown to guests, delegations and visiting school groups.
