«There is no end to fascinating things»: A sentimental journey through Virginia Vacca De Bosis’ (1891-1988) papers

Virginia Vacca, born De Bosis (1891-1988), was a prominent representative of the Oriental School of Rome. The article aims to describe her human and scientifc traits in terms of her research activity – rather than academic, as she never taught. The following pages seek to trace heroutline: from her frst experience of the Arab world to the human and scientifc aspects that can be inferred from her papers. In addition to her correspondence, there are also the memories of those who knew her – especially Francesco Gabrieli, another prominent member of the Oriental School of Rome – and, of course, her multifaceted scientifc production. Through these sources, we will try to shed a modicum of light on the portrait of this distinguished Orientalist.