Description
Book SynopsisThe Wunderkammer, or “cabinet of curiosities,” saw collectors gathering objects from many strands of artistic, scientific, and intellectual endeavor, in an ambitious attempt to encompass all of humankind’s knowledge in a single room. From the Grand Duke Francesco I de’ Medici and Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II to Archduke Ferdinand II of Habsburg, these aristocratic virtuosos acquired, selected, and displayed the objects in real-life catalogues that represented the entire world—spanning architecture, interior design, painting, sculpture, gemology, geology, botany, biology and taxonomy, astrology, alchemy, anthropology, ethnography, and history. Marvel at the unicorn horns (narwhal tusks), gems, rare coral growths, Murano glasswork, paintings and peculiar mechanical automata. Browse through illustrations of exotic and mythical creatures and discover the famed “Coburg ivories,” an astounding collection of crafted artifacts. These collections are nothing short of a journey through time, from the Renaissance and Age of Discovery, the Mannerist and Baroque periods, up to the present day. Although many of these cabinets of curiosities no longer exist, others have been meticulously reconstructed, and new ones born. These marvelous cabinets of curiosities can now be explored by all in this XXL collection. To realize this mammoth undertaking, Massimo Listri traveled to seven European countries over several decades; the result is a set of gorgeous photographs, an authoritative yet accessible introduction, and detailed commentary on each of the 19 chambers highlighting the most remarkable items in each collection. Discover how these timeless treasures both describe and defined civilization, the modern concept of the museum, and our very knowledge of the universe.
Trade Review“… a sumptuously illustrated volume of wonders.” * The Times *
“It is massive and full of some compellingly repulsive things… but it is also absolutely fascinating.” * The Financial Times *
“This is the kind of book you see in photos of new and expensive interiors or come across in boutique hotel lobbies.” * The Financial Times *
“How such a magnificent beast – replete with diverse papers and a breathtaking gatefold spread – can be made for the price is quite astonishing.” * The World of Interiors *
“Altogether this book is a marvel – every turn of the page elicits a gasp of incredulity and delight.” * The World of Interiors *
“Travel to Europe’s most eclectic rooms.” * thedailybeast.com *
“A delightful, extra-large compendium of collecting.” * tatler.com *
“Cabinet of Curiosities reveals a weird and wonderful world.” * The Irish Times *
“This extra-large volume is full of photographs of some of Europe’s most surreal collections. Dive into a world of carved amber, magic coral and stuffed mermaids.” * The Guardian *
“A glimpse inside historic collections of miraculous miscellany.” * Town & Country *
“The cabinet of curiosities celebrated the act of collection for its own sake—an almost random accumulation of natural-history specimens and other bizarre objects.” * The Guardian *
