Lux in Arcana exhibition at Musei Capitolini

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For the first time ever, a few books from the Vatican secret archive are shown to the public.
It is a vast project, of which I purchased the gorgeous book about two years ago. They've made this superb trailer, which should gladen the heart of the librarians among you:

If you can go and see the exhibit, DO.
From Galileo's trial to Giordano Bruno's, a letter written on bark from the chief of the Chippewa tribe, gorgeous miniatures, mangled books, the ordeal of the Templars, to Italy and papacy historical documents.
If you can't, check out some of these on the exhibition official site.

I wished I could have touched those books, sniffed them. Taken pictures.


No pictures allowed? REALLY?

But how can I resist the provocation of so many pages?



And how could I not cry over burnt parchment?



Or insect ravaged paper?



The exhibition also has videos about the restoration works on these poor battered creatures and on the many seals that were used to adorn them.

So GO.




While I was thee I also collected a few backside pictures for my collection.
But that's another story.