A rare collection of manuscripts, engravings, and drawings

The Virtual Byzantine and Christian Museum of Athens has 13 individual collections, all of them of rare historical and cultural value, with different objects. Indicatively are mentioned the Sculptures Collection, the Collection of Copies, Ceramics, Miniatures, Icons, Paintings, and Frescoes. Among them stands out the collection of 500 manuscripts, engravings and drawings, dating from the 6th to the 19th century, which offer a unique insight into the history of the book and the evolution of the various factors that compose it such as writing, illustration, and bookbinding.

The approximately 300 books that were published from the 16th to the 19th century, mainly in Venice, but also in parts of the Balkans and Central Europe, unequivocally prove the existence of Greek Diaspora Scholars in the shaping of the publishing activity as well as in the circulation of ideas in these areas. Impressive in volume and content is also the Collection of drawings, approximately 3,200 works, which include paintings and sketches of post-Byzantine painters.

This particular collection includes about 600 engravings, chalcographs, lithographs and chromolithographs of the 18th and 19th century, which show the link between the art of engraving and modern painting. The Byzantine and Christian Museum is a unique paradise of knowledge while its areas, mainly in spring and summer, are an oasis for the visitors and an opportunity to relax in the city center.