Category Archives: Wonder Cabinets

Wonder Cabinets, Kunstkammer, Cabinets of curiosities, etc.

Amazing, Rare Things; Amazing, Rare Man

Posted on February 28, 2007 by cicada

Common or ‘spectacled’ caiman and South American false coral snake Maria Sibylla Merian, c.1705-10 The Royal Collection: Amazing Rare Things There is a common denominator that links all these artists. It is the profound joy that all feel who observe … Continue reading →

Posted in Artists & Art, Biology, Film, Video & Music, Museum Lust, Science, Wonder Cabinets | 1 Comment

Poem of the Week: let’s hear it for descent with variations

Posted on February 16, 2007 by cicada

Let’s be honest: biologists sometimes get a little intoxicated by the beauty of the natural world. My friends know I will break off mid-conversation to crawl into the brush, mesmerized by a snake or a liverwort. My good china is … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Books, Poetry, Science, Wonder Cabinets | 3 Comments

Jessica Joslin

Posted on February 6, 2007 by cicada

Enzo & Donato Brass, bone, fur, cast/painted plastic, glass eyes Jessica Joslin, 2004 Jessica Joslin’s work is exactly what this blog is about: straddling the awkward rift between biological specimen and art object, and doing so with grace and charm. … Continue reading →

Posted in Artists & Art, Biology, Wonder Cabinets | 2 Comments

Wombs, Waxes and Wonder Cabinets

Posted on January 5, 2007 by cicada

This essay has been reposted at the new bioephemera, Feb 19, 08. Anatomical Teaching Model of a Pregnant Woman Stephan Zick, 1639-1715 Wood and ivory Kunstkammer Georg Laue is a Munich antique/art gallery informed by the sensibility of the “wonder … Continue reading →

Posted in Artists & Art, Biology, Museum Lust, Wonder Cabinets | 14 Comments

A Case of Curiosities

Posted on December 13, 2006 by cicada

Tia Resleure Winged Cat Mixed Media, 2002 A Case of Curiosities is a site to explore – if, like me, you find preserved specimens fascinating, not gross. (A cabinet of curiosities is one of my favorite things). The site includes … Continue reading →

Posted in Artists & Art, Museum Lust, Wonder Cabinets | Comments Off