Ferrante Imperato Publishes the First Pictorial Representation of a Natural History Research Collection

1599
Detail map of Napoli, Campania, Italy Overview map of Napoli, Campania, Italy

A: Napoli, Campania, Italy

The first published depiction of a natural history museum, and library. Notice the way the books are placed on the shelves, many of which with their spines facing the back of the shelf and cl
Image Source: en.wikipedia.org
The first published depiction of a natural history museum, and library. Notice the way the books are placed on the shelves, many of which have their spines facing the back of the shelf and clasps exposed.
In 1599 Naples apothecary Ferrante Imperato published Dell'historia naturale di Ferrante Imperato napolitano Libri XXVIII. Nella quale ordinatamente si tratta della diversa condition di miniere, e pietre. Con alcune historie di piante et animali; sin hora non date in luce.
in Naples, Nella Stamperia à Porte Reale, per Costantino Vitale.  The famous illustration of Imperato's museum or "cabinet of curiosities" published in this work was the "first pictorial representation of a natural history research collection formed by Renaissance humanist". The collection embraced an herbarium, shells, birds, sea creatures, fossils, clays, minerals and metallic ores, marbles and gems. It was maintained by Imperato's son Francesco, who assisted him in writing up his observations, and who may be seen in the engraving pointing out details of the specimens to two visitors as Ferrante looks on.

Timeline Themes

Museums / Wunderkammern
Natural History