Date of Award
2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Benes, Carrie
Keywords
Humanism, Italian, Renaissance, Libraries, Vatican, Catholicism, Scholars, Latin, Translations
Area of Concentration
History
Abstract
This thesis argues that the creation of the Vatican Library in the fifteenth century was unique among other "princely" libraries of the period due to its scope, perseverance, and evolution. Rather than understanding the Vatican Library as simply the personal library of the pope, I argue that the efforts of popes, specifically Nicholas V and Sixtus IV, established it as an attempt to provide a usable library for scholars. The creation of the Library created an academically focused research institution that became a lasting and continuing edifice of the Vatican's cultural prestige. It served, and continues to serve, not just the pope and his Curia, but also the needs of scholars. The humanistic spirit of the Italian Renaissance provided the architectural framework that guided the Library's ultimate development, making it a lasting institution that represents and serves much more than its original Christian intentions.
Recommended Citation
Chua, Tricia, "THE VATICAN LIBRARY THE EVOLUTION OF A HUMANIST-INFLUENCED RESEARCH INSTITUTION" (2013). Theses & ETDs. 4748.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/4748