The Vatican Library is set to restore and digitize more than 80,000 manuscripts. This project, in collaboration with the Colnaghi Foundation, aims to preserve historical documents and make them accessible globally. The library holds over 82,000 manuscripts and 1.6 million printed books, including rare items. The digitization process will allow scholars worldwide to access these important documents remotely, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
11 days ago
The Vatican Library is embarking on a major project to restore and digitize over 80,000 ancient manuscripts 1. This initiative, in collaboration with the Colnaghi Foundation, aims to preserve these invaluable documents and make them accessible to scholars and the public worldwide 1.
The Vatican Library holds a significant portion of humanity's literary heritage, including over 82,000 manuscripts and 1.6 million printed books 1. Among its treasures are Botticelli's illustrations for the "Divine Comedy" and a nearly complete copy of Cicero's "Republic" 1. Due to humidity and ink decomposition, these documents face significant deterioration 1. The five-year agreement with the Colnaghi Foundation is designed to combat this degradation 1.
The digitization project will allow remote access to documents previously only available in person 1. A unique scanner from Factum, a Colnaghi subsidiary, will be used to capture detailed surface information and reveal hidden layers within the manuscripts 1. The library will also undergo architectural renovation by the David Chipperfield firm 1. The library's director, Raffaella Vincenti, has expressed gratitude for the Colnaghi Foundation's support 1.
To celebrate the collaboration, the "Codex" exhibition opened on May 26, showcasing 14 works from private collections 1. The exhibition features works by masters such as Anthony van Dyck, Mario Nuzzi, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Titian, and Tintoretto 1. Highlights include Caravaggio's "Portrait of Maffeo Barberini" and Michelangelo's sketch for "The Adoration of the Brazen Serpent" 1.
How does the Church view preserving intellectual heritage?
The Church views the preservation of intellectual heritage as a crucial endeavor, deeply connected to its mission and the broader understanding of humanity . This commitment is reflected in the Church's historical practices, the teachings of its Magisterium, and the functions of its institutions like the Vatican Library and the Vatican Secret Archives .
Here's a breakdown of the Church's perspective:
In summary, the Church's view on preserving intellectual heritage is rooted in its understanding of history, its commitment to truth, and its mission to serve humanity. The Church sees its libraries and archives as vital resources for both internal governance and broader cultural enrichment, fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience and the Church's role within it.