A major grant will enable McGill University Libraries to delve into the Libro di Piume, or Feather Book, an exceptional artifact created in Italy more than 400 years ago. This unique object contains 156 illustrations made from feathers and other organic materials, including approximately 100 bird depictions incorporating, beaks, feathers and feet.
Created in 1618 by an Italian gardener employed by the Spanish Governor of Milan, the book is not only of historical significance but also a rare scientific resource, representing one of the oldest collections of bird specimens in the world.
An international interdisciplinary team, including librarians, scientists, historians and curators, will study this treasure from McGill University's archives from two perspectives: cultural/social and scientific. Team members come from Canada, Italy, the United States and the United Kingdom.
A significant portion of the research will rely on the emerging field of biocodicology, a non-destructive analytical method that makes it possible to document biological information preserved within books. Various imaging techniques, including micro-CT technology, will also help researchers learn more about the bird specimens used to create the illustrations.
A four-year Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Insight Grant of $479,890 will fund the project, which will also benefit from partnerships with the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, the Canadian Light Source and the University of Saskatchewan.
A fundraising campaign is also underway to support the restoration of the Libro di Piume, as well as the production of an exhibition and catalogue.
Acquired by McGill University in 1923, the artifact is now housed in the Blacker Wood Natural History Collection within the Rare Books and Special Collections Division of McGill University Libraries.
