Justus Lipsius's treatise from collection of National and University Library in Zagreb as an example of humanistic revelation of amphitheaters

Svalina, Ana. (2018). Justus Lipsius's treatise from collection of National and University Library in Zagreb as an example of humanistic revelation of amphitheaters. Diploma Thesis. Filozofski fakultet u Zagrebu, Department of Art History. [mentor Gudelj, Jasenka].

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Abstract

The subject of this diploma thesis is a treatise De amphitheatro and De amphitheatris quae extra Romam libellus written by Justus Lipsius and first published in 1584. This is the first renaissance treatise devoted entirely to the study of ancient amphitheatres, and it is also often called the most prominent treatise on that topic. Lipsius's treatise fits in within the new tradition of humanistic treatises and it arises at a time when general interest in the ancient ruins is at its peak. In the first part of this thesis humanist, philosopher and philologist Justus Lipsius is introduced through his exhaustive biography and an overview of literature written until now about him, while the second part of thesis is dedicated to the history of De amphitheatro and De amphitheatris. Historical review of all treatise editions is given, together with a comparison of all editions. Particular attention was paid to the 1604 edition, of which two copies exist today in the collection of National and University Library in Zagreb. The content, printing characteristics and illustrations of Lipsius's work were analyzed in detail, and the two copies from NUL were compared, considering their appearance and present state. To fully understand broader meaning of Lipsius's treatise, there is an overview of the historical development of treatises on antique architecture and amphitheaters, and the main protagonist that had influenced Lipsius are listed. At the end of the thesis, the conclusion is made and it is explained why Lipsius's treatise points stands out from other works on amphitheaters and its value in the history of treatises on antique architecture is emphasized.

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