Abstract

The paper analyses the language and style of the Gospel of John translated into Florentine for Eleanor of Toledo (MS. BNCF Magliabechi XL.6, anonymous, before 1553). The version – attributed by the author to the ducal cashier and paymaster Michele Ruberti – is written in a lively Florentine language, due to the translator’s search for an easy-to-read vernacular text as well as high register prose. This style makes Ruberti’s translation a useful reference point to better evaluate the linguistic and translational choices of the most widespread 16th century printed editions in Italian of the New Testament.