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Peek into the secrets of the ‘cabinets of curiosity’
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MUSEUMS are supposed to inspire visitors and fuel creative thoughts. Given our curious nature and innate desire to collect, it is no wonder that modern museum has its humble roots in the private collections of extraordinary objects from the past.
These collections, called “cabinets of curiosity,” first became known in the Renaissance period and reached their pinnacle of popularity in the Victorian Era. The term “cabinet” originally described a room rather than a piece of furniture.
As an homage to the history of collections, the Duoyunxuan Art Center is presenting an exhibition titled “Cabinets of Curiosity.”
Visitors will have the unique opportunity to see various objects of curiosity and wonder, up close and in a personal way.
Exhibits vary from stuffed fish and insects from the former Natural History Museum to Chinese painting of bedchamber on porcelain, different types of electricity readers from Britain, and a house of junks for fun pictures, and many more.
The earliest pictorial record of a natural history cabinet showed its creator’s credibility as a source of natural history information. The vaulted ceiling is occupied with preserved fish, stuffed mammals and exotic shells, and a stuffed crocodile suspended in the center.
These collections of extraordinary natural and man-made objects were displayed in cabinets with many compartments, each filled with “treasures” reflecting man’s desire to find his place within the larger context of nature and the divine.
In the fullness of time, and as the collections evolved and grew in importance, they were acquired by noblemen and royalty.
Many of these collections were eventually institutionalized and became the first public museums.
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