Published 2025-12-19
Keywords
- Woodcut Matrices, Critical Catalogue, Ulisse Aldrovandi, National Edition
How to Cite
Copyright (c) 2025 Alessandro Ceregato
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Abstract
This paper presents the critical catalogue of woodcut blocks from Ulisse Aldrovandi’s Museum, preserved at Palazzo Poggi and the University Library of Bologna, as part of the National Edition of Aldrovandi’s Works. This project completes the survey and photographic campaign carried out between 2005 and 2007, partially published online between 2014 and 2016.
The new edition includes a full revision and integration of the database into a unified digital archive, with fields linking blocks to objects with printed volumes, manuscripts and iconographic sources (plates, proofs). When supported by evidence, taxonomic identifications and scientific interpretations are provided.
The paper contextualizes the wooden printing blocks within Aldrovandi’s “Theatre of Nature”, highlighting the significance of images as scientific tool. Updated survey data and the structure of the database prepared for publication will also be presented.