Authors
Schmucker Art Gallery
Files
Download Full Text (4.0 MB)
Document Type
Art Catalog
Description
A stuffed blowfish, a meticulously-drawn insect, a ravishing lily, and a rhinoceros horn carved with scenes of plants and animals—these were among the wonders of nature and artifice, the marvels that fueled the Renaissance quest for knowledge. This exhibition explores the intellectual and aesthetic motivations of Renaissance naturalists and collectors, whose wonders of nature and artifice were displayed in elaborate gardens, illustrated books, and remarkable cabinets of curiosities. Collectors were driven by curiosity and a sense of wonder about what seemed to be an ever-expanding world. Students from Prof. Felicia Else’s upper-level art history course and Kay Etheridge’s First Year Seminar will draw connections between art and science, and curate a Renaissance-inspired “Chamber of Wonders” in Schmucker Art Gallery with resources from Gettysburg College’s Fine Arts and Special Collections, departments across campus, and individual loans. More information
Publication Date
Fall 2017
Publisher
Schmucker Art Gallery, Gettysburg College
City
Gettysburg, PA
Keywords
Renaissance, Chamber of Wonders, science, knowledge, curiosity cabinets
Department 1
Art
Recommended Citation
Schmucker Art Gallery, "Wonders of Nature and Artifice" (2017). Schmucker Art Catalogs. 24.
https://cupola.gettysburg.edu/artcatalogs/24
Included in
Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Art and Architecture Commons, Fine Arts Commons, History of Science, Technology, and Medicine Commons, Intellectual History Commons, Interdisciplinary Arts and Media Commons
Comments
This tri-fold pamphlet was produced for the exhibit "Wonders of Nature and Artifice," which was displayed in Schmucker Art Gallery from November 10 to December 8 2017.