From 16 to 31 January a volume by Lodovico Pollak on display at the Ministry Library
It is "Italian bronzes (16th-2023th century)", by Lodovico Pollak, the book with which the "Book of the month" initiative, promoted by the "Luigi De Gregori" Library of the Ministry of Education, will be opened on Monday XNUMX January XNUMX and of Merit and included among the enhancement activities of the MIM's book heritage.
Each month, to guide visitors and employees in the discovery of its most significant works, the Library will exhibit a book related to a national or international anniversary.
In January, on the occasion of Remembrance Day, which is celebrated on the 27th of the month, as required by law no. 211 of 20 July 2000, the chosen volume is that of Lodovico Pollak, archaeologist and art dealer deported to Auschwitz in 1943 and died in the extermination camp. The Pollak family was captured in Rome during the roundup on October 16, 1943.
The book will be exhibited in the Sala della Legislazione Scholastica, located on the ground floor of the Palazzo dell'educazione in Viale di Trastevere 76/A, until 31 January. In the same context, some works referring to the historical period of the author will also be viewable, who, in his activity as an archaeologist, was the discoverer of a fragment of the "Laocoon", one of the most important sculptures of the Hellenistic period, exhibited in the Vatican Museums.
The copy of the volume “Italian bronzes (1922th-150th century)” conserved in the MIM Library is signed in the original by the author, with a preface by Guglielmo Bode, and is edited by the Roman antiquarian Alfredo Barsanti. It is a rare folio edition published in 50 in only XNUMX copies. The volume is well preserved, in a precious robe bound in morocco, with a gold frieze, and is illustrated by XNUMX plates, the work of the photographer Cesare Faraglia.
The book will also be 'browsable' in a digitized version. Standing out for its quality, size and specific characteristics, the text has been included in the "Accessible Library" digitization project, launched to improve accessibility and protect the conservation of the most important historical volumes of the Library and Newspaper Library of the Ministry of Education and of Merit.
The exhibition of Pollak's book is part of the activities of the Ministry for the celebrations of the Day of Remembrance.
Ministry staff will be able to access the Room where the volume will be present from Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 13.00 and in the afternoon from 14.00 to 15.00. No reservations are required for employees. External visitors will be able to book via email biblioteca@istruzione.it.
In October, the initiative will be repeated on the occasion of the eightieth anniversary of the roundup of the Rome ghetto.