Credit: ©The Royal Society
    Image number: RS.11860

    Allegory with a cabinet of curiosities

    Date
    1710
    Creator
    Cornelis Huyberts (1669, Dutch) , Engraver
    Object type
    Library reference
    RCN61717
    Material
    Technique
    Dimensions
    height (print): 230mm
    width (print): 173mm
    Subject
    Description
    Allegorical scene in which the god Hypnos sets the Roman goddess Abundantia to dreaming: thus she loses her grip on the cornucopia, or horn of plenty, spilling natural objects. Around the pair are anatomical and natural history preparations. Behind, a cabinet of curiosities consisting of wet preparations in jars within in a large room, where two gentleman discuss their contents.

    Frontispiece plate from the book Thesaurus animalium primus, by Frederick Ruysch (Joannem Wolters, Amsterdam, 1710).

    The illustration is inscribed with the book’s title and authorship within a panel. Inscribed below left: ‘C: Huyberts inv. et F.’ Below ‘AMSTELAEDAMI apud JOANNEM WOLTERS. 1710.’

    Frederik Ruysch (1638-1731), Dutch botanist and anatomist was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1715.
    Associated place
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       > Europe
          > Netherlands
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