The Ilia Chavchavadze National Library plans to acquire a 1481 edition of Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy”, which is currently owned by antiquarian bookseller Jean-Baptiste de Proiart, who resides in France.
To purchase the book, the National Library is requesting a simplified procurement in the amount of 110,000 euros.
According to the documentation submitted to the Procurement Agency, this edition is the second printing of the work, but the first to be published in Dante’s hometown. The folio-format publication includes engraved illustrations by Baccio Baldini, based on sketches by one of the greatest artists of the Renaissance, Sandro Botticelli. The book is an incunabulum — a printed work assembled by hand.
“The fact that the National Library of Georgia has decided and has the opportunity to acquire a 1481 incunabulum is of historical significance. It will take an honorable place in the unique collection of the Book Museum, enhancing the Library’s cultural prestige on the international stage,” the National Library stated, adding that it considers the exclusive acquisition of Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy” to be appropriate.