Kunstkammer: early modern art and curiosity cabinets in the Holy Roman Empire

Abstract

"Kunstkammern, art and curiosity cabinets housed in a dedicated room or suite of chambers, were often filled with thousands of diverse and sometimes shocking objects reflecting the bounty of nature and human creativity. These could range from a cherry pit carved with dozens of faces to an intricate drinking cup fashioned from a rhinoceros horn. Whether as a setting for personal contemplation or as a manifestation of the wealth and prestige of its owners, these proto-museums dazzled visitors of the time. This book offers the first in-depth comparative examination of the history, theory, organization and character of the major Kunstkammern in the Holy Roman Empire"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents

Theories for the organization of knowledge -- Precedents --The Wittelsbachs and the Munich Kunstkammer -- Archduke Ferdinand II and Schloss Ambras -- The Albertine Wettins and the Dresden Kunstkammer -- The Kunstkammer of Rudolf II in Prague -- The Kunstkammern in Graz, Stuttgart and Kassel -- The world in a cabinet.