At the Laurentian Library, Florence

Virtually explore the Laurentian Library with Smarthistory as your guide

videos + essays

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Codex Amiatinus, the oldest complete Latin Bible
Codex Amiatinus, the oldest complete Latin Bible

One of the oldest surviving bibles was made in England but has clear visual ties to traditions from the ancient Mediterranean.

Michelangelo, Laurentian Library
Michelangelo, Laurentian Library

Michelangelo turns book learning on its head. Defying classical grammar, he speaks his own architectural language.

Bernardino de Sahagún and Indigenous collaborators, <em>Florentine Codex</em>
Bernardino de Sahagún and Indigenous collaborators, Florentine Codex

Created as a teaching tool, this twelve-volume encyclopedia was made by a Franciscan friar and Nahua collaborators.