The Malermi Bible, vol. II 1490

Niccolò Malèrmi created this page of his printed Bible in Venice around 1490, using woodcut illustrations and hand-painted color. The Malermi Bible, named after its translator, was the first Bible printed in Venetian. Its publication reflects the growing demand for religious texts in the vernacular, catering to a wider, literate public outside the clergy. Venice, a major center for printing at the time, played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and shaping cultural identity. The woodcut illustrations, though relatively simple, brought biblical stories to life for those who could not read, or preferred to understand the stories visually. Understanding the Malermi Bible requires exploring the history of printing, the rise of vernacular literature, and the social and religious context of Renaissance Venice. Examining archival records, publishers' accounts, and even personal diaries can shed light on the Bible's production, distribution, and reception. Such research illuminates how art is not simply a product of individual genius, but is deeply embedded in the social, economic, and institutional forces of its time.