Treasures of the Russian National Library

Treasures of the Russian National Library – Art from East and West

The Russian National Library in St. Petersburg is one of the most significant research libraries in the world, with a tumultuous history: founded in 1795, it has survived wars, revolutions, and sieges. Today, it houses unique medieval manuscripts, many of which are of Byzantine origin.

The displayed leaves take you through centuries and cultures: from Byzantine gospel pages on purple (9th century) to magnificently illustrated French books of hours and psalters, as well as Persian miniature art from the 16th century. Particularly noteworthy are rare pieces such as the depiction of the Solovetsky Monastery (1623) and the splendid title page of Russian church songs from the 19th century – seen for the first time in the West.

This collection reveals the diversity of book art between East and West – and its shared brilliance across time and borders.