Seba. Cabinet of Natural Curiosities

The Cabinet of Natural Curiosities is a renowned natural history book from the 18th century, featuring the collection of Amsterdam-based pharmacist Albertus Seba. It includes illustrations of animals, plants, and insects from around the world and is considered one of the greatest achievements in natural history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 752 pages
Publication date: 02 July 2020
Publisher: Taschen GmbH

The Cabinet of Natural Curiosities stands as a remarkable testament to the 18th century's remarkable achievements in the field of natural history, and it continues to hold a revered status as one of the most prized natural history books of all time. While scientists of that era frequently engaged in the collection of natural specimens for research purposes, Amsterdam-based pharmacist Albertus Seba (1665–1736) possessed an unparalleled passion for the subject. His awe-inspiring collection, encompassing a vast array of animals, plants, and insects from across the globe, achieved international acclaim throughout his lifetime.

In 1731, after decades of tireless collecting, Seba commissioned meticulous illustrations of each specimen. These detailed drawings served as the foundation for the publication of a four-volume catalog, which comprehensively showcased the entire collection, ranging from peculiar and exotic plants to snakes, frogs, crocodiles, shellfish, corals, birds, and butterflies, as well as now extinct creatures. This remarkable reproduction is sourced from a rare, hand-colored original. The introduction provides valuable background information about the captivating tradition of natural collections to which Seba's curiosities belonged.

Weight: 1298g
Dimension: 205 x 154 x 47 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783836554374