Early last week the Minister for Slovenes Abroad, Dr Bostjan Zeks, presented the Library with a limited edition set of books from the people of Slovenia.
The only one of its kind in the country, the Iconotheca Valvasoriana is the first ever reproduction of 17-volume collection of prints and drawings assembled by a 17th-century nobleman called Janez Vajkard Valasor.
It contains more than 7700 maps, images of copperplate and wood carving art of the 16th and 17th centuries, and the works of masters such as Rembrandt, Durer and Cranach.
Before the official ceremony we had an opportunity to ask Dr Zeks about the significance of this magnificent collection.
The gift of the Iconotheca Valvasoriana was made possible through a partnership with Republic of Slovenia’s Office for Slovenians Abroad, the Institute for Slovenian Studies of Victoria and the State Library of Victoria.
is this on display? would be good to see a copy.
Hi Adrian,
No, sorry, Iconotheca Valvasorian is not on display. It contains reproductions of original artworks, and we tend not to display reproductions in the World of the Book exhibition
but instead to display original artworks. When the library is back open you can request this work to consult in the Heritage Collections Reading Room.
The National Gallery of Victoria holds original artworks by many of the artists represented in this publication (Albrecht Durer, Lucas Cranach, Jacques Callot etc.), which can be viewed there through exhibitions and by making an appointment at the Prints & Drawings study room.
Hope this helps
Paul