Digital Reconstruction of a Dismembered Book of Hours Illuminated by Robert Boyvin
- ISFiDa
- Apr 27
- 1 min read

We are proud to announce the publication of Digital Reconstruction of a Dismembered Book of Hours Illuminated by Robert Boyvin, authored by Prof. Carla Rossi, philologist and art historian, and released by Cambridge Scholars Publishing (2024).
This important volume presents the digital reconstruction of a French Renaissance Book of Hours dismantled and dispersed across private collections and the art market. Through meticulous codicological analysis, material philology, and archival investigation, Prof. Rossi successfully reassembles the original structure and iconographic programme of the manuscript, attributed to the celebrated illuminator Robert Boyvin.
By combining traditional manuscript studies with cutting-edge digital techniques, Prof. Rossi sets a new standard in the field of cultural heritage preservation, offering scholars a replicable model for reconstructing other dismembered manuscripts.Her approach highlights the devastating impact of biblioclasm on European cultural heritage, while also demonstrating how rigorous scholarship can counteract the effects of art market practices that prioritise profit over preservation.
The book not only provides a comprehensive digital reconstruction but also discusses the historical, artistic, and ethical implications of manuscript dismemberment, emphasizing the urgent need for scholarly intervention and conservation efforts.
Despite facing defamatory campaigns aimed at undermining her professional credibility, Prof. Rossi continues her academic mission with unwavering dedication.Her work stands as a beacon of responsible scholarship and resilience, affirming her commitment to protecting medieval manuscripts and advancing material philology.
Digital Reconstruction of a Dismembered Book of Hours Illuminated by Robert Boyvin is now available through Cambridge Scholars Publishing and is already considered a key reference for manuscript scholars, codicologists, and cultural heritage professionals.
➡️ Discover the book here: Digital Reconstruction of a Dismembered Book of Hours – Cambridge Scholars Publishing