An album of photographs of the Vatican and its art collection. Ernest Richter, Rome, late 19th century

An album of photographs of the Vatican and its art collection. Ernest Richter, Rome, late 19th century

The album features photographs of various rooms and exhibits in the Vatican museums, which have long been renowned for their extensive art collections that began to form during the Renaissance. These are unique objects of art of global importance, such as a huge collection of ancient art - sculptures, sarcophagi, mosaics. The collection of antique statues, including the Belvedere Apollo, Laocoon, and the Sympathizer, is especially valuable. The photo shows masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Titian, Fra Angelico, frescoes by famous artists in the interiors of the Vatican, including Michelangelo's masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel.

In addition, the album contains a rich collection of Byzantine religious art — icons, book miniatures, a valuable collection of manuscripts and old printed books from the Vatican libraries, as well as an extensive pinacoteca with works by Italian masters.