Dominique Magnan

Dominique Magnan (1731–1796), a learned French abbot of the Trinità dei Monti convent, of the Order of Minims, in Rome, who was deeply involved in the intellectual life of his community during the second half of the 18th century.

Biography Dominique Magnan was born at Reillanne, in Provence, on May 29, 1731.

He studied at the University of Avignon, then joined the Order of Minims of La Ciotat at age 20, where he began his career as a collector of ancient coins and medals. Appointed professor of theology in Marseille, he continued his work. He got in touch with the most famous antiquaries of the time, both in Italy and Germany, and speedily acquired an extensive reputation. though heavily criticized by specialists of the time in that universal and complete coverage of the subject could maintain confusion between authentic coins and the fake ones.

Having become treasurer of the convent, he had had to be accountable during the Apostolic Visit in 1794, which was fatal to him. Cardinal de Bernis directed that an inventory of his goods should be taken. About sixty in-folios in geography, numismatics, archeology were found, but also books of biblical scholarship, dictionaries and the Encyclopédie.

Asked to leave the Papal States in three days, he fled to Florence where he died in extreme misery in 1796.