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The Vatican Museums: Discover the history, the works of art, the collections
The Vatican Museums: Discover the history, the works of art, the collections.
'...Thousands of people visit the Vatican Museums everyday... This is food for thought! Who actually are these visitors? They are a fairly heterogeneous representation of humanity. Many of them are not Catholic, a great many are not Christian and perhaps not even believers. A large number also visit St. Peter's Basilica, but many of them, when they come to the Vatican, only visit the Museums. All this prompts one to reflect on this institution's extraordinary responsibility from the viewpoint of the Christian message...' Pope Benedict XVI
'...Thousands of people visit the Vatican Museums everyday... This is food for thought! Who actually are these visitors? They are a fairly heterogeneous representation of humanity. Many of them are not Catholic, a great many are not Christian and perhaps not even believers. A large number also visit St. Peter's Basilica, but many of them, when they come to the Vatican, only visit the Museums. All this prompts one to reflect on this institution's extraordinary responsibility from the viewpoint of the Christian message...' Pope Benedict XVI
239 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 2, 2023
Finally finished this just in time for my first trip to Rome!!
I was definitely more engaged at the start than the end (may have slipped through the final 2 chapters). Obviously it's an art history book, but the intensity of an art history read is sometimes a real struggle when you just cannot focus.
I am pleased that I read this & feel much more aware of the history behind the art I'm gonna see this week (heheee), BUT I do think the writing could have been less bland & the structure a bit more enticing!
I was definitely more engaged at the start than the end (may have slipped through the final 2 chapters). Obviously it's an art history book, but the intensity of an art history read is sometimes a real struggle when you just cannot focus.
I am pleased that I read this & feel much more aware of the history behind the art I'm gonna see this week (heheee), BUT I do think the writing could have been less bland & the structure a bit more enticing!
November 24, 2025
Picked this book up while in the Vatican! A bit slow at the start but very informative. Beautiful images!
August 3, 2013
This book is an excellent source for historians, art historians and all interested people. Not only does it explain the materials and techniques for the production of statues (such as bronze and marble), memorials and paintings, but it also supports the explanations with beautiful illustrations. The title is a little bit deceptive: although it is about the Vatican museums, a range of subject matters, a description of materials and the richness of historic facts doesn't allow me to associate this book with one single collection. I would call it "a short history of the world as portrayed in the Vatican museums". Brilliant!
September 25, 2012
Got this on my trip to Vatican last year. Useful info and great glossy pictures. A good souvenir of an amazing university.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews