Sixtus IV Founding the Vatican Library

work by Melozzo da Forlì

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July 13, 2026

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Pope Sixtus IV, who served as pope from 1471 to 1484, is credited with being the second founder of the Vatican Library and opening it for scholars. The painting Sixtus IV Founding the Vatican Library by Melozzo da Forlì (completed 1477) depicts this event, showing the pope investing Bartolomeo Sacchi as librarian. This act was part of Sixtus IV's broader patronage of arts and institutions, which also included establishing the Sistine Chapel and repairing Roman churches. The Vatican Library itself has a long history, with significant expansions by Popes Nicholas V, Sixtus IV, Julius II, and Sixtus V.1234

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Melozzo da Forlì
…first major work in Rome, Sixtus IV Founding the Vatican Library (completed 1477), a fresco showing the investiture of Bartolomeo Sacchi (called the Platina) as librarian to the pope, was painted in Sixtus IV’s library in the Vatican. This painting reveals Melozzo’s mastery of perspective, showing six figures—the pope and…
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…first major work in Rome, Sixtus IV Founding the Vatican Library (completed 1477), a fresco showing the investiture of Bartolomeo Sacchi (called the Platina) as librarian to the pope, was painted in Sixtus IV’s library in the Vatican. This painting reveals Melozzo’s mastery of perspective, showing six figures—the pope and…
Read More