The Corvina Library of King Matthias Hunyadi – supporting film made for Milan World Expo, 2015
Channel: National Szechenyi Library
Date: 2018-10-31

The reign of King Matthias Hunyadi (1458–1490) was one of the golden ages of Hungarian history. Hungary was one of the leading powers of Europe, both from the political points view. the foundation of Bibliotheca Corvina (the Corvina Library) in Buda was a major cultural gesture of the King. 

Contained within the Corvina Library were 1500 to 2000 codices that represented the modern, humanist ideal in their content and period artistic taste in their form. The Corvina Library was the first and biggest Renaissance-era library outside Italy. Libraries of Iohannes Vitéz de Zredna and Janus Pannonius, humanist scholar prelates of the royal court, and Italian regal collections served as models for the Corvina Library. Acquisitions of the 1470s included codices of simple design, with white vine stem illumination (bianchi girari), fashionable in Italy. In 1476, King Matthias married Beatrice of Aragon, daughter of Ferdinand, the King of Naples. Italian humanists who accompanied the Queen to Buda gave new impetus to the development of the library. In the 1480s, a book illuminator and binder workshop was set up in Buda. The library rooms were furnished later. 

Works of the so-called „master of Buda“ represent a special chapter in the history of book binding. The illuminated, gilded leather bindings are unique pieces of Renaissance book art. Ties with Italy flourished until the end of King Matthias' reign. The most renowned Italian illuminators had been assigned to make richly decorated codices for the King. Following the conquest by the Ottoman Empire, Hungary was split into three parts in 1541. During the occupation of Buda and under 150 years of Ottoman rule, most of the Corvina Library had been destroyed. 

Approximately 220 volumes have survived the centuries. Today they are kept in major libraries all over the world. Corvinas are kept in several cities of Italy, and at other locations across Europe and the United States. Currently, 55 corvinas are owned by various collections in Hungary, 37 out which are kept in National Széchényi Library. For generations, Hungarian research has considered the exploration of this immense treasure as a top priority. Under the title BIBLIOTHECA CORVINA VIRTUALIS National Széchényi Library will launch a new website in 2018, in order to virtually unite corvinas. 

The primary aim of BIBLIOTHECA CORVINA VIRTUALIS is to present the 37 corvinas, while the long-term aim is to digitally display all the remaining codices. Available to everyone, the service is intended to become a modern center of corvina research, by way of publishing studies, bibliographies, research aids and resources.