From Treasuries to Cabinets of Curiosity: A History of Collecting Art and Artifacts

Catalog description

From the Treasury of Saint-Denis in medieval Paris to Athanasius Kirchner’s museum of curiosities in early modern Rome, collectors have long been fascinated by the finest objects formed by nature and human hands. This seminar will focus on the intersection of art and science and the principles of early modern collecting and display. Each week students will consider how collectors classified objects as wonders of art or science, and how the princely and scientific collections of the early modern world shaped modern museum practices. Attention will also be given to the global trade networks that made the collection of such objects possible.