From the Vatican Library Collection of Roman Glass. 4th Century FONDI D'oro ( Roman GLass) From the catacombs. are the bottom fragments of drinking vessels and bowls. The gold-leaf decoration depicts mythological scenes, biblical Figures, portraits and animal images. Vatican Library Collection is one of the greatest libraries of the Western world. Founded in 1451 by Pope Nicholas V "for the convenience of the learned," it is the oldest library in existence and is located in the Cortile Del Belvedere in Vatican City. The immense Vatican Library collection reveals the grandeur, tension, and vitality of the exciting development of our diverse civilization. This collection, until recently, has only been open to serious scholars and theologians --- with a waiting list of several years just to access the unique and delicate works in the library.
