The Old Library at the University of Salamanca
The Library of the University of Salamanca
Juan de Álava (Álava, 1480 - Salamanca, 1537) & Andrés García de Quiñones (Santiago de Compostela, 1709 – 1784)
1509, Mixed Media, 134.5 ft. long 37.7 ft. wide
The old library in the University of Salamanca is a Spanish historical heritage site located on the second floor above the western wing classrooms, in the higher cloister of the building of the “escuelas mayores”. The library contains more than forty thousand volumes, written between the fourteenth and eighteenth centuries. This learning space was built in a rectangular shape, with two-story wooden shelves on each wall and a large, open space in the middle. Most notably, the shelves contain oval markers which describe academic subjects in Latin. For example, the plaque near the philosophical and natural history texts reads “Philos. et Historia Naturalis”. The oval markers, as well as the frame of the bookshelves, are heavily ornamented with organic patterns which, because of the contrast, produce a dynamic impression.
The open central space of the library is symmetrically divided by chairs, tables, and globes. These objects form three parallel lines, which guide the viewer’s eye, creating an overall balance and establishing unity. Chairs and globes are arranged on the outermost lines while tables and books are placed in the central line. Sandstone allegorical sculptures which represent Mercury, Chance, Abundance and Fortune are placed in the four corners. Lastly, the space above the shelves and the chairs—the ceiling—is composed of a barrel vault with arches of transverse and lunette design. Corbels are used in a subtle yet decorative manner to support the arches. Windows surrounding the white ceiling contribute to the brightness and luminosity of the space.
The artistic elements integrated in the design of the space suggest that the library of the University of Salamanca, as it cultivates transferable skills, evidences the importance of liberal education and the importance of the library as a tool of the liberal arts.
Various visual strategies work to emphasize the importance of the liberal arts. The oval subject markers mentioned earlier, for example, emphasize the importance of the division and harmony of subjects within education. By clearly dividing the books by academic subjects, the organization of the library encourages interdisciplinary activity, which, in turn, encourages transferable skills, an important element of the liberal arts. The wooden ornaments which surround the oval markers, by making the markers more prominent, serve to further call attention to the organization. Furthermore, the globes spread throughout the space suggest intellectual curiosity, the search for knowledge, and a global query. Again, the quality of this query encourages a holistic approach and an interdisciplinary perspective, very much in tune with the spirit of the liberal arts. Thus, library is not only an example of the division of knowledge but also of the conservation and protection of information.
The plateresque style, which is known for being exceptionally decorative, is clearly visible throughout the library. This style was popular in sixteenth century Spain and functioned as a transition to the Renaissance, through its inclusion of gothic elements. In the library, for instance, the inclusion of shields and pinnacles on the wooden shelves reveal this plateresque influence. Similarly, the floral design on the topmost section of the subject ovals markers is an example of plant motifs typical of the aesthetic movement. (Valeriano 157)
The construction of the library of Salamanca begun in the early sixteenth century. This is a century of exciting discoveries; people were curious and eager to explore. The general attitude was guided by an individualistic pursue of freedom. Likewise, people’s decisions were heavily influenced by an interest in the past (Oxford English Dictionary). Taking this into consideration, the interpretation of the library as a tool of knowledge and as a protection of information comes back again into play. The individual of this time, as a carrier of transferable skills, needed an interdisciplinary space; a place that joined multiple subjects of knowledge. This, yet again, reflects the importance of the liberal arts.
The overall space, as well as the architectural details, makes the library of Salamanca a center for the cultivation of transferable skills and thus, evidence of the importance of liberal education in Spain.
Work Cited
Bozal, Valeriano. Art history in Spain: From the origins to the Enlightenment. Madrid: Akal, 1978. Print.
Gutierrez Llana, Laura and Fernandez Ferrero Alberto. Salamanca: Arts and Monuments. Zamora: Edilera, year. Print.
Renaissance. OED Online. Oxford University Press, March 2016. Web. 17 April 2016
Universidad de Salamanca. “Bibliotecas.” Universidad de Salamanca, 2012. Web. 08 Apr.2016
Universidad de Salamanca. “Brief History of the Library.” Biblioteca Historica. Universidad de Salamanca, n.d. Web. 08 April 2016