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The Pierpont Morgan Library
by Nina V. Dzajkic & Danielle Reda

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The Collections



A brief elaboration on some of the Library's treasured collections:


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Drawings and Prints

This collection is best known for its enormous ensemble of Rembrandt etchings. Preliminary sketches, as well as their masterpieces, by famous artists, such as Degas, Rubens, Durer, Gainsborough, and Blake are a part of this over 10,000 piece collection.

Left: Peter Paul Rubens: Seated Male Youth, cq. 1614-15


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Printed Books and Bindings

Various examples of rare books and bindings especially highlight the 15th century. Some of these include three copies of the Gutenberg Bible. Furthermore, the collection of bookbindings from the 7th century until today is unrivaled in any other of the country's otther museums.

Left: Biblia Latin: Johann Gutenberg and Johann Fust, ca 1455. Bought 1896, PML 818


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Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts

The assembly of 1,300 manuscripts and papyri is what makes this an astonishing collection; some of these include the Hours of Catherine of Cleves, the 10th century Beatus, and many other texts. This is the greatest collection in New York of such material..

Left: Hours of Catherine of Cleves, The Netherlands, ca. 1440, MS M 917



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Literary and Historical Manuscripts

Diaries, letters, and early drafts of the most well- renowned world politicians, artists, writers, and even scientists make up this collection. Thomas Jefferson's letters to his daughter and Voltaire's manuscripts are just some of the attractions included in this section.

Left: Detail from Henry David Thoreau's Journal, 1845, MA 1302


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Ancient Near Eastern Seals and Tablets

Crafted with such beautiful intricacy, the ornate seals are some of the smallest works of art ever made (on average, they are about an inch in height). With its collection, the library can span a millenia of artistic development from around 4000 until 500 BCE.

Left: Winged hero holding Bull Confronting Lion, Neo-Babylonian period 800-650 BCE,  Cylinder no. 747


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Music Manuscripts

This gathering of music manuscripts is unmatched on American soil. It includes original works by Mozart, Bach, as well as more modern composers, such as Igor Stravinsky.

Left: Mozart, Symphony in D Major, autograph manuscript of the Haffner Symphony, 1782-83

 


| Medieval NewYork | Morgan Library Main | The Collections | The West Room |



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© Site Concept and Design: Paul Halsall created 26 Jan 1996: latest revision 11 March 2024 [CV]