Contini-Volterra Photographic Archive

Collection

Identifier: MSS.0088

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Contini-Volterra Photographic Archive contains over 50,000 photographs of art objects created in Europe during the 13th through 20th centuries. The collection is especially strong in Italian art of the 13th through 18th centuries, offering breadth and depth coverage of each major Italian region and featuring both major (Botticelli, Tintoretto) as well as lesser known (Turino Vanni di Rigoli, Deodato Orlandi) artists of the period.

Dates

1930 - 1967

Conditions Governing Access

This collection may be viewed only in the reading room of Special Collections in the Jean and Alexander Heard Library. Collections should be requested 2-3 days prior to visiting in order to facilitate easier access. For questions or to request a collection, contact specialcollections@vanderbilt.edu.

Biographical / Historical

The Contini-Volterra Photographic Archive was created by Florentine art connoisseur Count Alessandro Contini-Bonacossi to supplement his own knowledge and understanding of art in support of his growing collection of paintings. After Contini's death in 1955, the collection was acquired by Florentine antiquarian Gualtiero Volterra, who continued to add photographs to the collection.

Extent

126 Linear Feet (300 Hollingers)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Contini-Volterra Photographic Archive, 1930-1970, consists of photographs of art objects created in Europe during the 13th through 20th centuries. The collection was assembled by Alessandro Contini-Bonacossi, 1878-1955, and Gualtiero Volterra, 1901–1967.

Physical Location

Offsite Storage, Special Collections & Archives

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Vanderbilt University purchased the collection from the Volterra estate in 1969 to support its growing Art History program. The collection was transferred to Special Collections in 2002 for preservation and broader public access.