Prints cabinet

The Prints Cabinet of the University Library of Cagliari, named after the Cagliari artist Anna Marongiu Pernis, originated from a collection of 400 photomechanical reproductions from the late 19th century. However, it gained new momentum after World War II thanks to the efforts of the then acting director Nicola Valle, who decided to create a dedicated section by inviting Sardinian artists to donate their works. This initiative, continued by the subsequent director Renato Papò, received a positive response from numerous engravers, and the collection grew to include works by the main Sardinian artists: Giuseppe Biasi, Mario Delitala, Stanis Dessy, Anna Marongiu Pernis, Felice Melis Marini, Giovanni Dotzo, Battista Ardau Cannas, Dina Masnata Spasciani, and others.

As the Library was unable to provide a dedicated space within its premises for the storage, consultation, and exhibition of graphic material, the Prints Cabinet was initially housed in a separate location at the former Palace of the Court, across from the Library’s main building. Today, the entire graphic collection, which includes a series of views, postcards, and a collection of ex-libris, is preserved within the Chapel of the former Tridentine Seminary.