This exhibition at the Palazzo Grimani in Venice juxtaposes a curated fantasy collection with a real 19th-century collection of natural wonders.
In the Sala di Psiche of the Palazzo Grimani in Venice, a table is laden with precious objects. Among them are a silvery nautilus shell on a gilded bronze stand and a grand curved olifant, or horn, carved from ivory and bound with intricate brass bands.
A pair of narwhal tusks, maybe two metres high, frame a fireplace, its stone interior carved with a flaming salamander; and a small bronze statue of Mercury, made in 1580 by the virtuoso Giambologna, leaps in front of a 16th-century cabinet whose decoration is made of slivers of inlaid wood as fine as silken threads. With red plush walls and dim lighting, it’s like stepping back in time, as if the owner of these objects has only just left the room. This grand assemblage of exotic finery is, in fact, a fantasy, brought together by the curator Thierry Morel in A Cabinet of Wonders — an evocation of the cabinets of curiosities, or wunderkammer, that first became popular in the 16th century. Then they were meant to demonstrate the knowledge, sophistication and taste of their collectors and, of course, dazzle the specially invited visitor. Now, Morel’s mélange, which fills three more rooms with precious objects, also provides a passage to another quite different collection — a real one — that belongs to George Loudon, a Dutch financier who now lives in London. Loudon has amassed 300 mostly 19th-century examples of botanical, zoological and marine life, made before photography became the primary teaching and reference tool of the life sciences. To this Morel has applied his curatorial hand. There are perfect renditions of lemons made in wax, the mutations of disease clearly detailed; hemlock and pansies in papier-mâché; slugs whose slipperiness is captured in stippled glass; a papier-mâché turkey made of multiple numbered parts. The Palazzo Grimani provides a fitting backdrop for both parts of this back-to-back sho
ART EXHIBITIONS MUSEUMS CURIOSITIES NATURAL HISTORY VENICE
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
A Cabinet of Wonders at Palazzo Grimani, Venice — where narwhal tusks sit alongside old mastersA Dutch financier’s collection of 19th-century flora and fauna has become a modern-day wunderkammer in Venice
Read more »
Boots Slash Prices on Britney Spears' Fantasy and Midnight Fantasy FragrancesBoots shoppers can benefit from a flash sale on Britney Spears' perfumes, with Fantasy and Midnight Fantasy being offered at discounted prices. Both scents are available in smaller and larger sizes, making for considerable savings. While many customers rave about the fragrances, some note a change in the scent and longevity compared to previous versions.
Read more »
Boots slashes prices on Britney Spears' Fantasy and Midnight Fantasy perfumes in £10 Tuesday saleBoots is offering a limited-time sale on Britney Spears' Fantasy and Midnight Fantasy perfumes for just £10, marking a significant discount from their usual prices. Customers have shared their opinions online, with many praising the scents and the value for money.
Read more »
'I tried three methods to banish condensation – 83p ingredient worked wonders'A woman recently tried three common hacks to rid condensation, and one came up trumps when banishing the pesky stuff with ease. She thinks it's a 'brilliant' trick
Read more »
and more, on Sketch Design Studio's natural material wondersSketch Design Studio in Rajasthan, India does wonders with the simplest ingredients
Read more »
Discover Shropshire's Winter Walking WondersExplore the beauty of Shropshire's landscapes and trails during the winter months. With crisp air, glowing sunsets, and a chance to spot wildlife, the National Trust offers a range of picturesque walks for all abilities.
Read more »