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The Acerba, a didactic-allegorical poem in Italian, is the most famous work by Francesco Stabili, better known as Cecco d'Ascoli (1257-1327), a doctor and astrologer. The text deals with celestial phenomena and influences, natural history and philosophical matters. It is embellished by initials and skillfully executed illustrations. The decoration suggests a Venetian artist who is also accomplished at large-scale painting. This hypothesis is supported by the ease with which the artist executed large-scale figures, such as the female figure on folio 24v.
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