Page:On the Vatican Library of Sixtus IV.djvu/31

 we know that the Papal Arms were to be set up in the Bibliotheca secreta—or for subjects. But, in forming conjectures as to the treatment of these windows, it should be remembered that the transmission of light must always have been the first consideration, and that white glass must have preponderated. I am not aware that any Library-glass (properly so called) has survived in Italy; so that we cannot obtain help from any contemporary example, or from any windows in a similar position. The windows of the Bibliotheca Laurenziana at Florence were glazed, in or about 1558, with singularly beautiful glass by Giovanni da Udine, which still, I am glad to say, exists, to the delight of all beholders; but, when the design is analysed, it will be seen that these windows are, practically, all alike, and that the design adopted has no special reference to books. The arms of the Medici are repeated in the centre of each light, surrounded by wreaths, arabesques, and other devices infinitely graceful and varied, but not distinctive. They would have been as suitable for a palace as for a library.

The rooms for the Librarian and his assistants were in a small building which abutted on the Library at its S. W. corner, and stood between the two courts, obtaining light from each. Over the door of entrance was the inscription:

SIXTUS. IIII. PONT. MAX.

BIBLIOTECARIO. ET. CVSTODIBVS. LOCVM. ADDIXIT.

The accommodation provided was not magnificent, two rooms only being mentioned. A door (fig. 2, a), now blocked, gave access to the Library from this building. It is interesting to note, as a proof of the richness of all the work, that it was of inlaid wood (pino intarsiata). The window mentioned in the accounts cannot now be discovered. It is probably concealed by some of the contents of the Floreria.

The work of fitting up this Library occupied about six years. It began in September 1475, and proceeded continuously to January 1477, when Melozzo's fresco was in progress. In