The Vatican Library, situated in the heart of the Vatican City is a place of more than just books: art displays, exhibitions and one of the most impressive collections are housed within the library. The Vatican library is the subject of this essay.
The Beginnings of the Vatican Library
The Vatican City library was intended as an archival system of books of some sort. Evidence suggests that from the "fourth century onwards...the Scrinium of the Roman Church...was both a library and an archive". The Scrinium refers to the library system that was in place during the 4th century. The Vatican Library was part of the Roman Church; the collections and books were all related to this.Hard research however (which is also agreed upon by most critics and historians) have concluded that the coming of the library itself at the Vatican in it's proper state began in the 14th century, that is, the Renaissance period.
More research has found that the coming of the library itself (building and all) and made as the Vatican Library was in the 14th century which was during the Renaissance period. It began during the "Renaissance... In the 14th century, the seat of papal rule had been moved from Rome to Avignon, in southern France, but by the late 14th century the authority of the papal government was re-established in Rome and became the papal states. It was soon after this that Pope Nicholas V (1447-55) set out to build a new Rome. His plan to build extensive public works to provide both physical defences for the Church and to lure pilgrims and scholars began a transformation of the city..." This of course included the Vatican Library.
Rebuilding of the Vatican Library
The rebuilding of the library began on July 2007 in which it was closed of to the public, and reopened on September 2010. There was a number of fixes, rebuilding and refurbishment to the library.
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| The lifts being redone on the side building of the Vatican Library |
The development included restructuring to the lifts and access points to the library as well as an overhaul for easier public use, disabled access and a more friendly environment. Before this, the Vatican Library was untouched and many instalments such as air conditioning and heaters were either missing or old.
The different eras of the Vatican City Library
There are 5 distinct periods that the Vatican Library has seen. They include in order of past to present:1. Pre-lateran= initial days of the library with the earliest days of the Church
2. Lateran= Until the 13th century with the reign of Pope Boniface VII
3. Avignon= Growth in book collection, the Papacy returning to Rome, collections and records were from popes in residence in southern France in Avignon.
4. Pre-Vatican= 1370-1446 the Library is scattered, parts in Rome and France
5. Vatican= 1446 onwards - Library places new collection and home.
The Art of the Vatican Library
2. Lateran= Until the 13th century with the reign of Pope Boniface VII
3. Avignon= Growth in book collection, the Papacy returning to Rome, collections and records were from popes in residence in southern France in Avignon.
4. Pre-Vatican= 1370-1446 the Library is scattered, parts in Rome and France
5. Vatican= 1446 onwards - Library places new collection and home.
The Art of the Vatican Library
The short video below is a presentation on the general art that surrounds the Vatican Library. Most liken it to an art museum within a library because of the enormous works of art it houses apart from its immediate library collection.
The Vatican Library's art is known as part of a series under the label "The Vatican Museums". They list the library as part of a museum as they do function as both a museum and an archive; being that they show collections as they would do in a museum while also housing collections for people to read and enjoy as per a normal library. This is what makes the Vatican library unique.
The Vatican library hold many exhibitions for many different items including art. The BAV website has a link that includes information on the current and past exhibitions as well as the art that was put on display in and around the library.
The Sistine Hall is one such example of an art that encapsulates the wonder of the history of the Vatican Library. It is a massive artwork that is painted upon the walls, pillars and ceiling stretching down a long hallway. The unique hand painted art all depict different saints and cardinals of the time periods throughout the Vatican history.
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| The Sistine Hall; note the art sprawls from the pillars to the ceiling in great hand painted detail. |
Head Librarians
Here is a list of the head librarians from the earliest record with Marcello Cervini to Jean-Louis Bruguès, the present day head librarian.
"Bibliothecaruis" refers to the title of the head librarian; it is translated as the ruler of the library. Each head librarian obtains this title in succession with the next Roman Numeral as with a line of heirachy system
| Name | Lifetime | Title | Time as Librarian[7][8] |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marcello Cervini | 1501–1555 | Bibliothecarius I | May 24, 1550–April 9, 1555 |
| Roberto de' Nobili | 1541–1559 | Bibliothecarius II | 1555–January 18, 1559 |
| Alfonso Carafa | 1540–1565 | Bibliothecarius III | 1559–August 29, 1565 |
| Marcantonio da Mula | 1506–1572 | Bibliothecarius IV | 1565–March 17, 1572[9] |
| Guglielmo Sirleto | 1514–1585 | Bibliothecarius V | March 18, 1572–October 16, 1585 |
| Antonio Carafa | 1538–1591 | Bibliothecarius VI | October 16, 1585–January 13, 1591 |
| Marcantonio Colonna | 1523 ca.–1597 | Bibliothecarius VII | 1591–March 13, 1597 |
| Cesare Baronio | 1538–1607 | Bibliothecarius VIII | May 1597–June 30, 1607[10] |
| Ludovico de Torres | 1551–1609 | Bibliothecarius IX | July 4, 1607–July 8, 1609 |
| Scipione Borghese Caffarelli | 1576–1633 | Bibliothecarius X | June 11, 1609–February 17, 1618[11] |
| Scipione Cobelluzzi | 1564–1626 | Bibliothecarius XI | February 17, 1618–June 29, 1626 |
| Francesco Barberini | 1597–1679 | Bibliothecarius XII | July 1, 1626–December 13, 1633 |
| Antonio Barberini | 1569–1646 | Bibliothecarius XIII | December 13, 1633–September 11, 1646 |
| Orazio Giustiniani | 1580–1649 | Bibliothecarius XIV | September 25, 1646–July 25, 1649 |
| Luigi Capponi | 1583–1659 | Bibliothecarius XV | August 4, 1649–April 6, 1659 |
| Flavio Chigi | 1631–1693 | Bibliothecarius XVI | June 21, 1659–September 19, 1681[12] |
| Lorenzo Brancati | 1612–1693 | Bibliothecarius XVII | September 19, 1681–November 30, 1693 |
| Girolamo Casanate | 1620–1700 | Bibliothecarius XVIII | December 2, 1693–March 3, 1700 |
| Enrico Noris | 1631–1704 | Bibliothecarius XIX | March 26, 1700–February 23, 1704 |
| Benedetto Pamphili | 1653–1730 | Bibliothecarius XX | February 26, 1704–March 22, 1730 |
| Angelo Maria Querini | 1680–1755 | Bibliothecarius XXI | September 4, 1730–January 6, 1755 |
| Domenico Passionei | 1682–1761 | Bibliothecarius XXII | July 10, 1741–January 12, 1755(P) January 12, 1755–July 5, 1761 |
| Alessandro Albani | 1692–1779 | Bibliothecarius XXIII | August 12, 1761–December 11, 1779 |
| Francesco Saverio de Zelada | 1717–1801 | Bibliothecarius XXIV | December 15, 1779–December 29, 1801 |
| Luigi Valenti Gonzaga | 1725–1808 | Bibliothecarius XXV | January 12, 1802–December 29, 1808 |
| Giulio Maria della Somaglia | 1744–1830 | Bibliothecarius XXVI | January 26, 1827–April 2, 1830 |
| Giuseppe Albani | 1750–1834 | Bibliothecarius XXVII | April 23, 1830–December 3, 1834 |
| Luigi Lambruschini | 1776–1854 | Bibliothecarius XXVIII | December 11, 1834–June 27, 1853 |
| Angelo Mai | 1782–1854 | Bibliothecarius XXIX | June 27, 1853–September 9, 1854 |
| Antonio Tosti | 1776–1866 | Bibliothecarius XXX | January 13, 1860–March 20, 1866 |
| Jean-Baptiste Pitra | 1812–1889 | Bibliothecarius XXXI | January 19, 1869–February 9, 1889[13] |
| Placido Maria Schiaffino | 1829–1889 | Bibliothecarius XXXII | February 20, 1889–September 23, 1889 |
| Alfonso Capecelatro | 1824–1912 | Bibliothecarius XXXIII | August 29, 1890–November 14, 1912[14] |
| Mariano Rampolla del Tindaro | 1843–1913 | Bibliothecarius XXXIV | November 26, 1912–December 16, 1913 |
| Francesco di Paola Cassetta | 1841–1919 | Bibliothecarius XXXV | January 3, 1914–March 23, 1919 |
| Aidan [Francis Neil] Gasquet | 1845–1929 | Bibliothecarius XXXVI | May 9, 1919–April 5, 1929 |
| Franz Ehrle | 1845–1934 | Bibliothecarius XXXVII | April 17, 1929–March 31, 1934 |
| Giovanni Mercati | 1866–1957 | Bibliothecarius XXXVIII | June 18, 1936–August 23, 1957 |
| Eugène Tisserant | 1884–1972 | Bibliothecarius XXXIX | September 14, 1957–March 27, 1971 |
| Antonio Samoré | 1905–1983 | Bibliothecarius XL | January 25, 1974–February 3, 1983 |
| Alfons Maria Stickler | 1910–2007 | Bibliothecarius XLI | September 7, 1983–May 27, 1985(P) May 27, 1985–July 1, 1988 |
| Antonio María Javierre Ortas | 1921–2007 | Bibliothecarius XLII | July 1, 1988–January 24, 1992 |
| Luigi Poggi | 1917- | Bibliothecarius XLIII | April 9, 1992–November 29, 1994(P) November 29, 1994–November 25, 1997 |
| Jorge María Mejía | 1923- | Bibliothecarius XLIV | March 7, 1998–November 24, 2003 |
| Jean-Louis Tauran | 1943- | Bibliothecarius XLV | November 24, 2003–June 25, 2007 |
| Raffaele Farina | 1933- | Bibliothecarius XLVI | June 25, 2007–June 9, 2012 |
| Jean-Louis Bruguès | 1943- | Bibliothecarius XLVII | June 26, 2012- |
The Vatican City Library and it's role with religion
The Vatican Library is not associated with religion or any stance in relation to the Vatican City itself; it is a free standing building that welcomes all.
However, religion plays a big part in the library; that is, the Roman Catholic Church. The collections and the art are all derived from some sort of religious part to play.
What is most notable is that the head librarian/instructors of the library are all Roman Catholic; this seems to be a requirement that must be met.
However, religion plays a big part in the library; that is, the Roman Catholic Church. The collections and the art are all derived from some sort of religious part to play.
What is most notable is that the head librarian/instructors of the library are all Roman Catholic; this seems to be a requirement that must be met.
The role of the Pope and his involvement with the Vatican Library
The future of libraries are at a way point. Most libraries are transitioning to digital archives and information; the rise of computer technology has seen the implementation of many computers being installed into various public and state and university level libraries.
The Vatican Library stays true to it's original form. It has made the move to digital archiving however this is for private archiving purposes in the first place. These archives are of course home to art and sculptures and many many collections that need to be recorded as they are historical and important to the Vatican City.
The Pope has had an active contribution to the Vatican Library. He was part of the movement to re-stablish and rebuild the library to a more appropriate modern view (lifts, escalators) while maintaining the aesthetic that it is an old library with many old collections and that it is one of the biggest and most ambitious libraries ever to be created. The art that surrounds the ceilings and archways and pillars are enough to suggest to most audiences that the Vatican Library is grande in scope.
The Pope has been stated as saying that ..."the library is first and foremost a knowledge center....both for textual readings....enjoyment and to walk amongst history...".
Thomas, C. (2009) Pope Benedict: A Vision For the new Years. Oklahoma: Westons Publishing House, p.32-33.
The Pope is an active contributor to the library Apart from the rebuilding of the library, he has given permission and has been along the way to convert the library into a more accessible library. People are still not allowed to borrow from the library; however many installed "reading rooms" have been made for people to actually read the materials and collections that are on offer. Of course, not all collections are available to the public. There are archives that are secret that are out of bounds but this will be discussed later!Of course, it does help that the Pope wanted to be a librarian!
The Pope was sufficient in the practices of being a librarian and wanted to be one one day if he hadn't invested time into being part of the clergy and being elected pope.
Pope Benedict has a true passion for the Vatican Library; hence his active involvement in the projects that it has undertaken under his guidance and agreements.
The Vatican Library stays true to it's original form. It has made the move to digital archiving however this is for private archiving purposes in the first place. These archives are of course home to art and sculptures and many many collections that need to be recorded as they are historical and important to the Vatican City.
The Pope has had an active contribution to the Vatican Library. He was part of the movement to re-stablish and rebuild the library to a more appropriate modern view (lifts, escalators) while maintaining the aesthetic that it is an old library with many old collections and that it is one of the biggest and most ambitious libraries ever to be created. The art that surrounds the ceilings and archways and pillars are enough to suggest to most audiences that the Vatican Library is grande in scope.
The Pope has been stated as saying that ..."the library is first and foremost a knowledge center....both for textual readings....enjoyment and to walk amongst history...".
Thomas, C. (2009) Pope Benedict: A Vision For the new Years. Oklahoma: Westons Publishing House, p.32-33.
The Pope is an active contributor to the library Apart from the rebuilding of the library, he has given permission and has been along the way to convert the library into a more accessible library. People are still not allowed to borrow from the library; however many installed "reading rooms" have been made for people to actually read the materials and collections that are on offer. Of course, not all collections are available to the public. There are archives that are secret that are out of bounds but this will be discussed later!Of course, it does help that the Pope wanted to be a librarian!
The Pope was sufficient in the practices of being a librarian and wanted to be one one day if he hadn't invested time into being part of the clergy and being elected pope.
Pope Benedict has a true passion for the Vatican Library; hence his active involvement in the projects that it has undertaken under his guidance and agreements.
In conclusion...
The Vatican City library is a wondrous building; it's art sprawling with centuries of history and the mountains of collections as well as the hidden secrets such as the secret collections and the Pope's very own collection make the library as every bit elusive and mysterious that it makes out to be!
It is both a library, a museum, a historical site and an exhibition of artefacts and old collections that are prized beyond possession.
It is an important part of history and religious history. It has seen the ever evolving technology that has become today and has kept with the change to become as ever relevant in today's hustle and bustle.
The Vatican Library is a treasure trove of all things historical; it is an amazing achievement in architecture, learning and scope. To this day, it is visited by many both religious and non religious for the same purpose: to take in all that it has to offer.
Sources
BAV website:
Vaticanlibrary.va (2012). BAV - Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana. [online] Available at: http://www.vaticanlibrary.va/home.php[Accessed: 28th October 2012].
Vatican Museum website:
Mv.vatican.va (2012) Vatican Museums - Official web site. [online] Available at: http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/MV_Home.html [Accessed: 28th October 2012].
Article on the Pope being a librarian
Caldwell, S. (2010) Pope Benedict wanted to be a librarian. The Telegraph, 5th August.
Quote from Pope
Thomas, C. (2009) Pope Benedict: A Vision For the new Years. Oklahoma: Westons Publishing House, p.32-33.
Wikipedia article containing list of cardinals/head librarians
En.wikipedia.org (2007) Vatican Library - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. [online] Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_Library [Accessed: 9 Sep 2012].
History of the Vatican Library: Inception and Beginning quote.
Capping.slis.ualberta.ca (2005) History of the Vatican Library. [online] Available at: http://capping.slis.ualberta.ca/cap05/debbie/history.html [Accessed: 9 Sep 2012].
Vatican Collections Online Website/4th century quote
Vaticanlibrary.va (2012). BAV - Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana. [online] Available at: http://www.vaticanlibrary.va/home.php[Accessed: 9 August 2012].
Elevator Works picture
BAV - Vatican Library (2009) Elevators (beginning of works). [image online] Available at: http://www.vaticanlibrary.va/home.php?pag=fotogallery_art_00004&ling=eng [Accessed: 9 September 2012].
Website for 5 eras/time period information
Theborgias.wetpaint.com (1990) The Vatican Library - The Borgias Fan Wiki. [online] Available at: http://theborgias.wetpaint.com/page/The+Vatican+Library [Accessed: 18 September 2012].
The Vatican Library Project: Accessible Worldwide - Video.
Marshad, N. (2010) The Vatican Library Project: Accessible Worldwide. [video online] Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYvLhD8YHL0&feature=player_embedded [Accessed: 18 September 2012].
The Vatican City library is a wondrous building; it's art sprawling with centuries of history and the mountains of collections as well as the hidden secrets such as the secret collections and the Pope's very own collection make the library as every bit elusive and mysterious that it makes out to be!
It is both a library, a museum, a historical site and an exhibition of artefacts and old collections that are prized beyond possession.
It is an important part of history and religious history. It has seen the ever evolving technology that has become today and has kept with the change to become as ever relevant in today's hustle and bustle.
The Vatican Library is a treasure trove of all things historical; it is an amazing achievement in architecture, learning and scope. To this day, it is visited by many both religious and non religious for the same purpose: to take in all that it has to offer.
Sources
BAV website:
Vaticanlibrary.va (2012). BAV - Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana. [online] Available at: http://www.vaticanlibrary.va/home.php[Accessed: 28th October 2012].
Vatican Museum website:
Mv.vatican.va (2012) Vatican Museums - Official web site. [online] Available at: http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/MV_Home.html [Accessed: 28th October 2012].
Article on the Pope being a librarian
Caldwell, S. (2010) Pope Benedict wanted to be a librarian. The Telegraph, 5th August.
Quote from Pope
Thomas, C. (2009) Pope Benedict: A Vision For the new Years. Oklahoma: Westons Publishing House, p.32-33.
Wikipedia article containing list of cardinals/head librarians
En.wikipedia.org (2007) Vatican Library - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. [online] Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_Library [Accessed: 9 Sep 2012].
History of the Vatican Library: Inception and Beginning quote.
Capping.slis.ualberta.ca (2005) History of the Vatican Library. [online] Available at: http://capping.slis.ualberta.ca/cap05/debbie/history.html [Accessed: 9 Sep 2012].
Vatican Collections Online Website/4th century quote
Vaticanlibrary.va (2012). BAV - Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana. [online] Available at: http://www.vaticanlibrary.va/home.php[Accessed: 9 August 2012].
Elevator Works picture
BAV - Vatican Library (2009) Elevators (beginning of works). [image online] Available at: http://www.vaticanlibrary.va/home.php?pag=fotogallery_art_00004&ling=eng [Accessed: 9 September 2012].
Website for 5 eras/time period information
Theborgias.wetpaint.com (1990) The Vatican Library - The Borgias Fan Wiki. [online] Available at: http://theborgias.wetpaint.com/page/The+Vatican+Library [Accessed: 18 September 2012].
The Vatican Library Project: Accessible Worldwide - Video.
Marshad, N. (2010) The Vatican Library Project: Accessible Worldwide. [video online] Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYvLhD8YHL0&feature=player_embedded [Accessed: 18 September 2012].
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