Cabinets of Curiosities

The cabinets of curiosities of the 17th century were collections of knowledge, the cosmos arranged on shelves, cupboards, or hanging from the ceiling. This survey, now available in a compact edition, traces the history of these cabinets, from their first appearance in Renaissance nobles' inventories and engravings to the serious 17th- and 18th-century scientists Elias Ashmole and Levinas Vincent.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 18 July 2019
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

The cabinets of curiosities of the 17th century were a testament to the immense wealth of knowledge that was meticulously organized and displayed within small spaces. These remarkable collections, ranging from intricate sculptures and rare artifacts to exotic plants and scientific specimens, were meticulously curated and arranged on shelves, cupboards, or even hung from the ceiling. These cabinets served as a visual representation of the Renaissance nobles' fascination with the world and their desire to acquire and preserve rare and fascinating objects.

The history of cabinets of curiosities can be traced back to the inventories and engravings commissioned by Renaissance nobles such as the Medici and the Hapsburgs. These noblemen were eager to showcase their wealth and knowledge by commissioning artists to create detailed illustrations of their collections. These engravings provided a glimpse into the world of the Renaissance, showcasing the intricate details of sculptures, artifacts, and scientific specimens.

One of the most famous cabinets of curiosities was created by the Dane Ole Wurm in the 16th century. Wurm was a wealthy merchant who had a passion for collecting and preserving rare objects. His cabinet was filled with a wide range of items, including sculptures, fossils, and exotic plants. Wurm's collection was so impressive that it was even featured in a book published by the German printer Johannes Gutenberg in 1455.

Another notable cabinet of curiosities was created by the Italian polymath Athanasius Kircher in the 17th century. Kircher was a professor of medicine, theology, and philosophy who had a vast knowledge of the natural world. His cabinet was filled with a wide range of items, including fossils, minerals, and scientific instruments. Kircher's collection was so extensive that it was even featured in a book published by the French printer Jean Duvet in 1657.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, cabinets of curiosities became increasingly popular among scientists and scholars. These collections were used as a tool for research and education, allowing scientists to study and observe the natural world in a more organized and systematic way. Some of the most famous cabinets of curiosities in this period were created by Elias Ashmole and Levinas Vincent.

Ashmole was a British scientist and antiquarian who was known for his extensive collection of natural history specimens. His cabinet was filled with a wide range of items, including fossils, minerals, and botanical specimens. Ashmole's collection was so impressive that it was even featured in a book published by the British Royal Society in 1768.

Vincent was a French scientist and inventor who was known for his collection of scientific instruments. His cabinet was filled with a wide range of items, including telescopes, microscopes, and scientific instruments. Vincent's collection was so extensive that it was even featured in a book published by the French Royal Society in 1768.

The cabinets of curiosities of the 17th and 18th centuries were a testament to the immense wealth of knowledge and the remarkable achievements of scientists and scholars of the time. These collections continue to inspire and intrigue us today, reminding us of the importance of exploration, discovery, and the preservation of our cultural heritage.

In conclusion, the cabinets of curiosities of the 17th century were a remarkable testament to the immense wealth of knowledge and the Renaissance nobles' fascination with the world. These collections were meticulously curated and arranged on shelves, cupboards, or even hung from the ceiling, showcasing the nobles' desire to acquire and preserve rare and fascinating objects. The history of cabinets of curiosities can be traced back to the inventories and engravings commissioned by Renaissance nobles, and it continued to evolve as scientists and scholars began to use these collections for research and education. Today, these collections continue to inspire and intrigue us, reminding us of the importance of exploration, discovery, and the preservation of our cultural heritage.

Weight: 1240g
Dimension: 260 x 203 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500022887