Martin Lister and his Remarkable Daughters: The Art of Science in the Seventeenth Century

This is the fascinating story of Martin Lister's great work on shells and molluscs, 'Historiae Conchyliorum'; its illustrations (over 1,000 copperplates) by his daughters, Susanna and Anna, and the early techniques behind scientific illustration together with the often unnoticed role of women in the scientific revolution.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2018
Publisher: Bodleian Library

Martin Lister, a royal physician and esteemed fellow of the Royal Society, stands as an extraordinary natural historian renowned for his profound expertise in shells and mollusks. Frustrated by the limitations of established artists, Lister embarked on a remarkable endeavor to impart his knowledge to his daughters, Susanna and Anna. With unwavering dedication, the sisters honed their skills to an exceptional level, eventually becoming entrusted with Lister's monumental work, Historiæ Conchyliorum. Spanning from 1685 to 1692, this groundbreaking study of conchology comprised an astonishing collection of over 1,000 copperplates featuring shells and mollusks sourced from across the globe.

Martin Lister and his Remarkable Daughters delves into the intricate process of creating this extraordinary masterpiece. It traces the journey from identifying the original shells to the meticulous drawings that captured their intricate details. From the engraved copperplates to the draft prints and final books, the story unfolds, shedding light on the artistic and scientific techniques employed in the early days of scientific illustration.

Susanna and Anna, Lister's daughters, approached their task with a unique perspective. They not only portrayed the shells as fascinating and visually captivating objects but also as specimens of natural history meticulously rendered with a deep understanding of scientific principles. Their illustrations and engravings, while beautiful in their own right, serve as a testament to the early techniques of scientific illustration and the often overlooked contributions of women to the scientific revolution.

Through their dedication and talent, Susanna and Anna not only contributed to the advancement of conchology but also left a lasting legacy in the field of scientific illustration. Their work serves as a reminder of the profound impact that collaboration, passion, and a dedication to learning can have on the world of science. Martin Lister's decision to teach his daughters and their remarkable achievements in illustrating his work exemplify the power of education and the transformative potential of artistic expression in scientific endeavors.

Weight: 536g
Dimension: 237 x 162 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781851244898