Punto di interesse
Monastery Library
A painted encyclopaedia of learning and art in an interior opened on special occasions.
Lingua dei contenuti
The monastery library opens on special occasions, through separately announced programmes such as the “Weekend with the Library” and extended abbey tours. The spacious room rises through two storeys and is lit by two rows of windows. A black marble portal leads inside. Christian Bentum’s decoration covers the barrel vault and walls with subjects relating to learning, art and religion.
A symbol of wisdom occupies the centre of the vault, surrounded by the Fathers of the Church. Scenes include Christ preaching in the Temple, a meeting of the order’s general chapter and Solomon’s meeting with the Queen of Sheba. Portraits of ancient scholars, philosophers and poets fill medallions, while the window recesses contain personifications of branches of knowledge. The painted scheme resembles an encyclopaedia: subjects conveyed through writing in books are represented here by figures and images. Years of conservation work on the room form an important part of the abbey’s restoration. The library should not be treated as a permanent addition to the four interiors open on regular visits.
Per bambini
This room held the monastery’s books. However, the library is not part of the ordinary daily visit. It opens during special events. It rises through two storeys, has two rows of windows and is entered through a black marble portal.
Christian Bentum painted a broad account of learning here. A symbol of wisdom appears on the vault, surrounded by important religious figures and scenes. There are also portraits of ancient scholars, philosophers and poets. Other figures represent different branches of knowledge. Instead of reading sentences in a book, you see pictures about understanding the world. The room has undergone many years of restoration. Special visiting programmes specify when its interior and decoration can be seen.
Domanda 1 di 2
Who created the library’s painted decoration?
- Posizione
- Monastery building. Access only through separately announced special programmes.