The Joanina Library, located within the University of Coimbra in Portugal, is a Baroque masterpiece and one of the most iconic libraries in the world. Built in the early 18th century, this extraordinary library houses over 70,000 rare books dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Its richly adorned interior features gold leaf, intricate woodwork, and painted ceilings, reflecting the grandeur of Portuguese Baroque design. A fascinating aspect of the library is its use of a colony of bats to protect the books from insects, a tradition that continues to this day.

Photographing inside the Joanina Library is typically prohibited, so being granted special permission was a profound honor. With strict rules in place to preserve the delicate environment, I had to carefully plan each shot during brief, 10-minute windows when visitors were not present, allowing the humidity levels to stabilize. The process was meticulous, but it allowed me to capture the grandeur and intricate details of this remarkable space, resulting in images that truly reflect its historical and artistic significance.

Randy Van Duinen’s fine art photography is the perfect addition to residential and corporate spaces. His work transforms interiors into sophisticated and inspiring environments, celebrating the beauty of architecture and culture from around the world.