Displaying the Modena Bible in the Italian Senate

 
The Vatican displayed the Borso D'Este Bible, also know as the Modena Bible, in the Italian Senate to celebrate 2025 as a Jubilee Year. This elaborated illuminated 15th-century manuscript in two volumes is, according to Euro News (click for pics), "considered one of the most spectacular examples of Renaissance illuminated manuscripts and said to be one of the most expensive books of its time." As is typical of such news stories, it emphasizes this bible's origins and also the extensive security measures taken to protect it during its display--stories that emphasize the expense and prestige of this iconic book. Its display by the Roman Catholic Church in the Italian Senate serves to bolster the legitimacy of both institutions, which is a core function of icon books and, especially, of relic texts like this.