The decoration of the illuminated manuscripts on display is ascribable to the work of the Master of Sant’Alessio in Bigiano, an artist who appears to have played an important role in the art of illumination at the end of the 13th century in Tuscany. Many decoration of manuscripts can be attributed to his workshop, likely located in Tuscany in the Florentine area.
It is believed that he received training in Bologna: many elements of his art recall the style of figurative illumination that developed in this city, which was an important centre for the development of book culture in the 13th century.
Nevertheless, the frequent reference to 13th century Tuscan art which can be seen in his work suggests a deep knowledge of this territory, where the Master likely moved after the commissions he was given.
