Pure Gold - Sculpture Books

Eneide is an exclusive edition of Virgil’s celebrated epic poem, based on an original project by Renato Guttuso, conceived in 1979.

Printed in just 199 numbered copies, the volume features an excerpt in Latin from The Aeneid by Publius Vergilius Maro—written between 29 and 19 BC—accompanied by an Italian translation and an introductory essay by Thomas Stearns Eliot, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948.

This 215-page work includes reproductions of the twelve paintings that the Italian painter Renato Guttuso dedicated to Virgil’s poem.

Our edition of Eneide faithfully reflects the original project conceived by the master, both in content and in form.

For Guttuso, this was intended to be the first in a series of artist’s books. At the time, a new language was emerging: that of the painter who creates and paints specifically to bring to life limited-edition volumes conceived as works of art. For his Eneide, Guttuso produced the original plates, oversaw the printing, and then returned to each one, painting over them again by hand in watercolour. In technical terms, these works—now found within our volumes—are considered multiples d’artiste, since every single one bears the artist’s direct hand.

The volume is entirely handcrafted, printed on 220 gsm artisan paper, and hand-sewn on wooden frames using traditional Italian medieval bookbinding techniques.

The covers are in blue leather covers, lined in moiré silk. A copper and 24-karat gold sculpture is set into the centre of the front cover.

A luxury book, unique in its value, form, and content—uniting timeless artistic mastery with the refined techniques of traditional craftsmanship.