After 114 years in Denmark, the valuable Danish Rosendahl Bible collection has now become Norwegian.
-"This is a very fine and exclusive Bible collection with many unique and rare objects. It bears the mark of having been put together by a collector with a sense of quality and a high level of knowledge about the history of the Bible. For us at the Nordic Bible Museum, it's a great addition and supplement to the other rare Bibles we have on display and in our possession. The collection now has a safe home in the museum in the center of Oslo," says Rune Arnhoff, general manager of the Nordic Bible Museum.
Culture and history enthusiasts in Denmark flocked to see the unique Rosendahl collection when it was there. However, it was never officially exhibited. Now you can see parts of the famous book collection in Nedre Slottsgate in Oslo.
Danish Kristian Rosendahl started collecting in 1906
It was Palle Rosendahl's great-grandfather who started collecting the many rare Bibles. He was a printer and bookbinder. Later generations have contributed to a significant increase in the number of books. When the collection was to be sold in connection with the disposal of the family's possessions, it was important for both seller and buyer that the book collection was kept intact. The Bible Museum in Oslo has thus become an important custodian of our shared Nordic cultural heritage.
The Rosendahl Bible collection numbers over 500 Bibles and books. While the first generation of Rosendahls had religious interests, later generations were more concerned with the actual craftsmanship of the books. Many of the Bibles in the collection are thus distinguished by beautiful bindings and great typography.
Gutenberg, Martin Luther and King Christian III
Among the books on display is the world's first Luther Bible from 1533. This was later linked to the Nordic region when King Christian III of Denmark, having had contact with Martin Luther, arranged for the printer to come to Copenhagen with his woodcuts from the first Luther Bible. The Danish king and Luther agreed that it was important for people to have access to the scriptures. This happened when the Danish version was published in 1550.
Other objects in the collection include a leaf from the first printed book, Gutenberg's Bible from 1450 and five so-called incunabula, which are books printed in the 15th century. The first Spanish Bible from 1569 in its complete version and a very rare page from a handwritten Bible found in Normandy from around the 13th century are other treasures in the collection.
-"We at the museum are looking forward to presenting this unique cultural treasure and have been keen to make the Rosendahl Bible Collection available to the public. The collection is also significant in a European context," concludes Rune Arnhoff.
