Traveling Library

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Traveling Library

Place of OriginEngland

Date1600-1647

DimensionsCase: 16 1/8 x 10 5/8 x 3 1/4 in.
Volumes: 4 5/8 x approx. 2 3/8 in.

MediumLeather and board case with books bound in vellum with gold tooling

ClassificationBooks

Credit LineFrederick B. and Kate L. Shoemaker Fund

Object number

1938.32

Not on View

Label TextThis elaborate book box contains 30 miniature volumes of philosophy, theology, history, and poetry. The page ribbons are color-coded (philosophy and theology are blue, history is green, and poetry is pink). It is believed to have belonged to the Bacon family, probably Sir Nicolas Bacon (about 1540–1624), half-brother of philosopher Sir Francis Bacon. The set is one of only a handful of similar traveling libraries prepared for distinguished lawyers during the reign of James I (ruled 1603–1625). Each vellum-bound volume is stamped in gold in the center of the cover with an angel holding aloft an open book and carrying a hand-roll inscribed “Gloria Deo” (Glory to God). The Bacon family seal is impressed upon each book.Exhibition History

Richmond, VA, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 1963.

Toledo Museum of Art, Looks Good on Paper: Masterworks and Favorites, Oct. 10, 2014-Jan. 11, 2015.