Women and the Art and Science of Collecting in Eighteenth-Century Europe

This book explores the relationship of European women to collecting in the 18th century, examining their lives, interests, methodologies, and collections. It also considers their role as producers and exposes new ways of thinking about collecting in relation to the arts and sciences. The book is interdisciplinary and brings together scholars from various fields.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate relationship between European women from diverse backgrounds and their engagement in collecting during the eighteenth century. Through a combination of longer essays and shorter case studies, it explores the social practices, material and visual cultures, and the roles of women as producers and creators of collected objects. By meticulously examining the artifacts, both visually and in their historical contexts, the book offers fresh perspectives on collecting in relation to the arts and sciences in eighteenth-century Europe.

The book's interdisciplinary approach brings together scholars from various fields, including art history, material and visual culture, history of collecting, history of science, literary studies, women's studies, gender studies, and art conservation. Its rich content and insightful analysis will captivate scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts alike, shedding light on the fascinating world of women and collecting in eighteenth-century Europe.

In the first chapter, the book sets the stage by providing a historical overview of the emergence of collecting as a cultural phenomenon in eighteenth-century Europe. It explores the social and economic factors that influenced the development of collecting practices, as well as the role of women in shaping these practices. The chapter also highlights the various types of objects that were collected, including art, natural history specimens, and antiquities, and examines the ways in which these objects were displayed and interpreted.

The second chapter delves into the lives and interests of individual women collectors. It profiles a selection of women from different countries and backgrounds, including aristocrats, merchants, and artists, and explores their motivations for collecting. The chapter also examines the methodologies and strategies that these women employed in their collecting endeavors, such as travel, patronage, and negotiation.

The third chapter explores the material and visual cultures of collecting in eighteenth-century Europe. It examines the ways in which objects were collected, stored, and displayed, and explores the role of art and architecture in shaping these practices. The chapter also considers the social and cultural significance of collecting, and how it contributed to the formation of national identities.

The fourth chapter examines the role of women as producers and creators of objects that were collected. It explores the ways in which women contributed to the production of art, literature, and science, and how their collections and objects reflect their interests and values. The chapter also considers the challenges and limitations that women faced in their pursuit of collecting, such as gender discrimination and social restrictions.

The fifth chapter concludes the book by reflecting on the broader
implications of the study of women and collecting in eighteenth-century Europe. It explores the enduring legacy of women's collecting practices and their impact on the fields of art history, material and visual culture, history of collecting, history of science, literary studies, women's studies, gender studies, and art conservation. The chapter also suggests future directions.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the relationship between European women and collecting during the eighteenth century. Through its rich content, insightful analysis, and interdisciplinary approach, it sheds light on the lives, interests, methodologies, and collections of women collectors, and their role as producers and creators of objects that were collected. It provides valuable insights into the social practices, material and visual cultures, and the enduring legacy of women's collecting practices in shaping eighteenth-century Europe.

Weight: 414g
Dimension: 175 x 245 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367545390