ABBE JEAN-PAUL BIGNON ST URBAIN, Ferdinand de: France, ca.1738, Bronze, 57 mm The Abbe Jean-Paul Bignon was Royal Librarian at the
Bibliotheque Nationale de France from 1718 to 1741 during the
reign of Louis XIV. The Bibliotheque Nationale is one of the
finest libraries in the world. It dates back to the reign of King John who
bequeathed his royal library to his successor, Charles V in 1364. It was
expanded by several monarchs, including Charles VI, Charles VIII, Louis XII,
Francis I, Henry II, and Louis XIII, and was moved at various times over
this period. However, a new era dawned during the reign of Louis XIV, when
it was greatly expanded, necessitating another move to larger quarters. The
departments of engraving and medals were added around 1666 and soon became
important components of the collection. Under the guidance of the Abbe
Bignon, the collection was moved to its present home in the Rue Richelieu.
Toward the end of Louis XIV's reign the library contained more than 70,000
volumes. Since then the library has expanded further, particularly during
the reigns of Louis XVI and Napoleon, although much of the latter's
acquisitions had to be returned, as many manuscripts were plundered by him
from conquered capitals. LINK to portrait of Abbe Bignon (from Prof. Dr. Walther Umstätter) |
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