Homer's Iliad, Homer's Odyssey, Aeschylus's Tragedies and les Argonautes Possibly 1793 - 1812

This book, now in the Art Institute of Chicago, was bound by Tommaso Piroli, an Italian artist working in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Books such as this were not made in a vacuum, but rather were the result of many hands contributing to the production process. From the tanning of the leather to the creation of the paper and ink, each step involved specialized skills and labor. The blind-tooled design on the cover is evidence of the binder's craft, requiring precision and expertise to create a visually appealing and durable product. We can appreciate how the book's materials and construction methods reflect the social and economic context of its time. The very act of binding represents a commitment to preserving and disseminating knowledge. By recognizing the value of materials, making, and context, we can gain a deeper appreciation for this everyday object, challenging the traditional boundaries between art and craft.