Art of Nature: Three Centuries of Natural History Art from Around the World

by Judith Magee

"Art of Nature" is an astonishing visual record of the exploration of parts of the natural world that had never previously been documented. It features many of the greatest natural history artists of the last 300 years - Merian, Bartram, Ehret, the Bauer brothers, Audubon and Gould. Some were seeking fame as scientists or artists, others sought financial gain or at least the prospect of earning a living in what they loved doing. For some it also provided them with the opportunity to present their view of nature to a wider community. Whatever the reasons, few would have contradicted Humboldt's comment that he was spurred on by an uncertain longing for what is distant and unknown, for whatever excited my danger at sea, the desire for adventures, to be transported from a boring daily life to a marvellous world. Continent by continent Judith Magee draws on the unrivalled collections of the Library of the Natural History Museum to illustrate the development of natural history art through the centuries and its crucial role in furthering people's appreciation of nature all around the world.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Nature

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2009

Reviews

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before the days of photography, biological specimens were recorded with accompanying illustrations, many of which are beautifully coloured paintings. This book shows many of the amazing artworks held in the archives and rare books room of the Natural History Museum in London. I am lucky enough to have seen some of the originals contained in this book, having visited the rare books room on several occasions when I worked there.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent and broad-ranging account of natural history illustration, and the organization of chapters by geographical region is a nice feature. I am somewhat skeptical of the extent to which this book may have been a PR exercise for the Natural History Museum in London, UK. Buuuuuut because the NHM has a pretty significant collection of natural history illustration and an excellent exhibitions programme for it, I'm fairly certain there aren't any super glaring omissions.