2013 | Postelse Pracht. De Boekenwereld van de Abdij van Postel, Mol, Bezoekkerscentrum Abdijbibliotheek Postel

23.06.2013 ‒ 31.12.2013

Postelse Pracht. De Boekenwereld van de Abdij van Postel, Mol, Bezoekkerscentrum Abdijbibliotheek Postel (2013)

The library of the Abbey of Norbertines in Postel possesses a variety of precious items among its collections, including illuminated manuscripts, incunabula, and exceptional prints. It was abbot Rombout Colibrant who, at the beginning of the 17^th century, carefully put together the collection which can still be admired today. Subsequently, through the 19^th and 20^th century, the collection grew. The exhibition Postelse Pracht displayed the most exceptional pieces of this vast collection. Richly decorated illuminated manuscripts, 15^th century incunabula, atlases, and beautiful religious and scientific works from the 16^th to the 18^th century brought the vibrant history of book illustration back to life. Equally, a prominent place was given to iconic works from the history of books; the sublime Atlas Major by Johannes Blaeu, the impressive Polyglot Bible, the masterpiece of the Antwerp publisher Christoffel Plantin, the influential Palazzo di Genova by Pieter Paul Rubens, and the mysterious subterranean world of Atanasius Kirchner, who visualized the eruption of the Etna, were displayed in tandem with colorful book bindings, engravings, woodcuts, and original copper plates. These pieces indicate the wealth found at the Abbey’s library.